New partnership Terranova NV to boost green hydrogen production in Belgium

Partnership Terranova Hydrogen NV, comprised of Jan De Nul Group, DEME Group, and Aertssen Group, has joined forces with Luminus and Nippon Gases to build and exploit an installation for the production of green hydrogen on the ‘Zonneberg’ in Zelzate, Belgium.

The partnership announced they want to work together on the Zonneberg for the building and exploitation of an electrolysis unit of 2.5 MW to produce green hydrogen, including the storage capacity and a compression and filling station. On top of that, there is a possibility to expand the installation up to 5 MW.

According to the partners, green hydrogen will be produced on the Terranova site on the Zonneberg in the North Sea Port in Zelzate with locally generated green energy. To note, the location is centrally located next to the R4 ringway around the Port of Ghent, on a crossroads of the highways Antwerp-Bruges and Lille-Rotterdam, and also next to the channel Ghent-Terneuzen.

At the end of 2022, as part of the rollout of the ‘Flemish Hydrogen Vision,’ the Flemish government granted strategic support of €4.33 million to Terranova NV. Meanwhile, the site permit was obtained and Terranova started the preparatory works. Production of the first hydrogen molecule is expected in early 2025.

The three partners in Terranova said they are pleased to engage in the cooperation with Luminus and Nippon Gases for the production of green hydrogen, adding: “This is a great step in the intended transformation of a brownfield to a green energy hub in the middle of the harbour area of Ghent.”

An Smet, Director of Environmental Activities at Jan De Nul Group said: “Jan De Nul has a leading role in the development of sustainable energy projects and is a pioneer in energy transition. This project is a logical step for our company because it reflects both our commitment for renewable activities and care for the environment.”

“Renewable energy takes on many shapes and the production of hydrogen by means of green energy in a location such as Zonneberg is a perfect fit for our strategy. We look forward to seeing the entirety of Terranova in use and be an example for the industrial world.”

Frank Rutten, Managing Director of Nippon Gases, stated: “To reach a CO2-neutral world, it’s important to go from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. Nippon Gases commits to aiding its clients in making this transition in the future possible.”

“This hydrogen production based on exclusively green energy is for us an example of what a climate-neutral industry can look like. Together with the other partners, we hope to contribute to a future in which our children and grandchildren can live happily.”

Grégoire Dallemagne, CEO of Luminus, commented: “Luminus wants to build a CO2-neutral energy future in which protecting the planet, human wellbeing, and economical growth are aligned with each other. This is our reason for existence. This project fits perfectly in our strategy and we are proud to contribute to its implementation.”

Click here to read more about hydrogen projects in Belgium.