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Plug Power’s Louisiana H2 plant set for first quarter operations with robust safety standards

Plug Power Inc. has confirmed that its new 15-tpd H2 plant in St. Gabriel, Louisiana is on schedule as previously announced for operations in the first quarter, now entering the final commissioning phase. Operated by Hidrogenii—a 50/50 joint venture between Plug Power and Olin Corporation—the facility utilizes Olin’s byproduct H2 from chlorine production. Once fully operational, the plant will play a key role in expanding Plug’s North American H2 network.

The project’s steady progress is complemented by a strong safety record, with the facility achieving over 412,000 safe working hours and zero recordable injuries. This milestone reflects disciplined adherence to rigorous process safety management (PSM) standards and thorough job safety analyses (JSA), ensuring that all high-risk activities—from crane lifts and high-voltage installations to vessel purging and high-pressure pneumatic testing—are executed safely.

“Our team has executed hundreds of high-risk tasks without a single incident,” said Plug CEO Andy Marsh.

Essential dry-out process. A critical dry-out process is underway to remove moisture and impurities from the plant’s piping, vessels, and mechanical systems. This essential step ensures the production of high-purity H2 by preventing potential issues such as corrosion, freezing, and inefficiencies in fuel cell performance. The process employs advanced pressure regulation and moisture control techniques, with durations varying from several days to a few weeks depending on the section.

Expanding capacity and strengthening the network. Upon completion, the Louisiana plant will add an additional 15 tpd of liquid H2, increasing Plug’s total production capacity to 39 tpd. This expansion is designed to support growing demand from key partners, including Amazon and Walmart, and further Plug’s strategy of delivering vertically integrated H2 solutions. Drawing on operational insights from its Woodbine, Georgia facility, the plant is set for continuous 24/7 operation, enhancing production efficiency and energy independence.

With operations on track for the first quarter as previously announced and a commitment to robust safety measures, the Louisiana H2 plant marks an important step in advancing Plug Power’s efforts to build a reliable and sustainable H2 network across North America.