WATCH: Antwerp-Bruges takes key hydrogen step

Once commissioned, the electrolyser will demonstrate hydrogen production under real operating conditions at the port. Its public launch is planned for September.

“Port of Antwerp-Bruges is a hub where ambition and action come together,” said Rob Smeets, CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges.

“By welcoming Power to Hydrogen’s commercial-scale AEM electrolyser, we take another concrete step in supporting the demonstration of scalable, flexible technologies in Europe.”

Commercial deployment

The project marks Power to Hydrogen’s first commercial deployment of its M-Class hybrid AEM electrolysers, designed to scale to 25MW for high-demand industrial environments.

It’s a technology which supports dynamic operation, with sub-50-millisecond response for renewable load-following and pressurised operation that can reduce downstream compression requirements.

The AEM system replaces precious metals used in PEM electrolyzers with lower-cost materials including steel and nickel. Power to Hydrogen said its technology can reduce CAPEX costs by up to 65% versus comparable PEM systems, supporting more cost-competitive hydrogen production.

Once commissioned, the installation is expected to provide a repeatable configuration and third-party validation for future multi-megawatt deployments. It will support hydrogen demand across mobility and industrial applications, with regional supplier Holthausen the key offtaker at launch.

The project highlights hydrogen electrolysation as port technology for producing alternative fuels locally from renewable electricity and water, the aim being to strengthen supply security while complementing imported hydrogen and derivatives.