A green hydrogen plant in Pembroke has been given planning approval.
RWE, the largest power producer in Wales, announced on December 17 that its Pembroke Green Hydrogen plant has been granted full planning approval.
The plant will consist of a 100MWe electrolyser, producing around two tonnes of hydrogen per hour.
The hydrogen produced can be used to decarbonise industrial activities in south Wales.
The project is anticipated to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 93,000 tonnes annually, equivalent to removing 18,600 cars from the road every year.
Sopna Sury, chief operating officer for hydrogen at RWE Generation, said: “It is fantastic to have achieved this significant milestone.
“We would like to thank the collaborative and proactive approach of the Pembrokeshire County Council planning team and all the statutory consultees who together supported a smooth and efficient planning process.
“With this approval, Wales is positioned at the forefront of the green hydrogen revolution, placing hydrogen at the heart of the energy transition and driving forward innovation in renewable energy.”
The Pembroke Green Hydrogen plant is a crucial part of RWE’s plans for the Pembroke Net Zero Centre, which aims to build on Pembrokeshire’s local energy heritage.
The project is expected to safeguard existing jobs at the site while delivering a significant local economic investment and creating new jobs throughout construction and operation.
The planning approval is a critical step toward the realisation of the Pembroke Green Hydrogen plant.
It also lays the foundation for the next phases of the project, including securing government funding and finalising financial investment decisions.
Henry Tufnell, MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, said: “The granting of planning permission for the Pembroke Green Hydrogen plant is a major boost for Wales, showcasing our nation’s pioneering role in renewable energy technology.
“This project exemplifies Wales’ ability to deliver innovative solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, meet net-zero targets, and secure a reliable energy future for decades to come.”
RWE plays a pivotal role in the South Wales Industrial Cluster (SWIC), a collaborative initiative driving the decarbonisation of industrial processes across the region.
SWIC has been instrumental in supporting RWE with this project, providing critical assistance in securing development funding and establishing a clear pathway to progress this innovative green hydrogen plant.
The Pembroke Green Hydrogen plant is expected to make a significant contribution towards achieving the UK Government’s target of 10GW of green hydrogen capacity by 2030.
RWE is the largest power producer in the UK and a leading renewable generator with a diverse operational generation portfolio of onshore wind, offshore wind, hydro, biomass, and gas.
The Pembroke Green Hydrogen plant is set to become Wales’ first major green hydrogen facility, reinforcing Wales’s leading role in clean energy innovation.