This milestone agreement comes after the grant of the Environment and Construction permit, and the signature of the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract earlier this year.
The facility will have an initial production capacity of 14,000 tons of green hydrogen per year, with the possibility for future expansion. Located in Zeebrugge, the facility will benefit from the proximity with renewable electricity production from offshore wind parks, and from the presence of many established industrial actors, offering potential avenues for utilizing the green hydrogen produced. Additionally, Zeebrugge's strategic infrastructure connects it to wider European gas networks, positioning it well for potential future developments in the renewable hydrogen market.
The project will contribute to a reduction of 25,000 tons of CO2 per year in the mobility and industrial sectors. The first hydrogen molecules are expected to be produced in 2026.
By contributing to the development of hydrogen infrastructure and supplying its advanced electrolyzer technology, John Cockerill is proud to play a key pioneering role in the Hyoffwind project in line with the Flemish, Belgian and European hydrogen strategy.
Raphael Tilot, CEO John Cockerill Hydrogen: “With our partner BESIX, we are proud to collaborate with Virya Energy on the realisation of this green hydrogen production facility in Zeebrugge. John Cockerill Hydrogen will deliver to the Hyoffwind project our most advanced electrolyzer technology manufactured in our European gigafactory. Together, we are shaping a cleaner and more sustainable energy future for Belgium and Europe.”
Mark Beyst, General Manager BESIX Belgium-Luxembourg: “The project Hyoffwind stands at the forefront of Europe's green hydrogen initiatives. BESIX Group, experienced in handling complex industrial projects, is extremely proud to contribute to this leading project by offering the concept, engineering, construction, installation and commissioning expertise of two companies in our Group: BESIX Environment for the electromechanical works and BESIX for the civil and building works. We are thrilled to now start the execution part of this project.”
Adrien Theunissen, Director BESIX Environment: “Previous successful collaborations between BESIX and BESIX Environment have proven that BESIX Group entities are the perfect match for partners like John Cockerill Hydrogen and for clients as Virya Energy to carry out this kind of EPC-contract efficiently. The collaboration between our teams, along with John Cockerill's and Virya's, in developing solutions, promises to set this project as a benchmark in our collective journey towards decarbonising our economies.”
Read here BESIX's news in English, Dutch and French.
See here Virya Energy's press release in English, Dutch and French.
