Virya Energy, in partnership with HyoffGreen and Messer, have reached the final investment decision for the Hyoffwind project in Zeebrugge, Belgium. This was the final validation before launching the construction of the first 25-MW renewable H₂ production plant in the country, with the first molecules expected to be produced in 2026. It will contribute with 25,000 tpy of CO₂ reduction in the segments of mobility and industry.

The Hyoffwind project is led by a pioneer consortium that spans the entire energy value chain. Hyoffgreen and Messer enter the project as partners jointly with Virya Energy, following the appointment of John Cockerill and Besix as engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) partners announced earlier this year. This consortium, united by a shared vision on sustainability, brings extensive energy and industrial expertise to the project, ranging from renewable energy capture over to production and distribution of green H₂ for mobility and industrial end applications.

As the world's largest privately owned industrial gases specialist, Messer has extensive experience in the production, logistics and delivery of H₂. Messer offers a well-developed network of H₂ sources around the world, which is being systematically expanded to ensure a reliable supply to its customers.

For Messer, H₂ plays an important role in terms of a sustainable, green future, green mobility and the decarbonization of its customers' production processes. That’s why Messer is using its experience and its technological expertise in an energetic, targeted and, above all, climate-neutral manner.

By entering into this partnership in the Benelux, Messer is responding to an important demand for the installation, support and supply of green H₂ infrastructures for its customers, who are at the beginning of this important and necessary energy transition.

Renewable H₂ is a pivotal element in advancing a renewable energy economy, serving as both a raw material or energy input for industrial processes and a versatile resource for various heavy-duty mobility applications. Hyoffwind will enhance the flexibility and stability of the Belgian energy system, contributing as part of the solution to the challenges posed by the variability of renewable electricity production. Furthermore, Hyoffwind, located in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, will become a strategic component of the future H₂ network connecting production sites and industrial zones in North-West Europe.

The contribution of renewable H₂ to the energy transition and its role in the H₂ economy is underpinned by a 30 MM subsidy awarded earlier this year by the Flemish government, using recovery funding from the European Union (NextGenerationEU) and from the Flemish government.

Hyoffwind is a huge step forward fostering the emergence of H₂ ecosystems in Benelux, bringing the EU one step closer to climate neutrality.

The plant, upon completion, will feature an initial capacity of 25 MW, with potential for future expansion up to 100 MW. Zeebrugge, chosen for its strategic location, is well connected to all relevant energy networks and is as such the ideal location to realize the sector coupling.

Paul Tummers, CEO of Virya Energy said, "Hyoffwind exemplifies our belief in H₂'s transformative power and its role in our fit-for-purpose energy approach. ​ It is a demonstration of our ability to develop complex projects at the forefront of the energy transition. The project, driven by strong complementary partnerships, marks a significant step towards a more resilient sustainable energy future for Belgium and creates a promising outlook for the H₂ industry."

"This partnership demonstrates Messer's commitment to a cleaner, greener future and is an important milestone in our strategy. Investing in green H₂ is not just an environmental decision, it's a blueprint for a sustainable future. At Messer, we are focused on developing technologies that make our customers' production processes environmentally friendly, more efficient, and safer. Messer Benelux will extend the benefits of these applications to our industrial customers who are switching to green H₂ for their production. We are proud to be at the front line in innovation and sustainability,” said Virginia Esly, CEO Europe at Messer.

Ludo Kelchtermans, co-CEO of VEH said, “Investing in a green H₂ project represents our strategic commitment to a sustainable energy future. By harnessing the power of our wind farms to produce H₂, we are positioning ourselves at the forefront of the emerging H₂ economy.”

Jo Brouns, Flemish minister of Economy, Innovation, Work, Social Economy and Agriculture said, "I am extremely pleased that the Hyoffwind consortium has made a final investment decision and that the realization of a sustainable H₂ plant in Zeebrugge will soon begin. With Hyoffwind, we are taking on our pioneering role in H₂ in Flanders. Besides energy conservation and electrification, H₂ plays an important role in the sustainability of industry and transport. Although we will need both locally produced and imported H₂ in Flanders, this project is important for building the necessary expertise so that we can also construct such H₂ plants abroad."