Klaipeda port steps closer to setting up ‘region’s first’ green hydrogen station

UK-based engineering company IMI has been selected to provide a PEM electrolyzer for a new hydrogen production and refueling station at the Port of Klaipeda in Lithuania. The produced hydrogen will be used to fuel vessels and shore-side equipment.

The project for establishing the hydrogen station, which will position the Port of Klaipeda as the first in the Baltic region to produce green hydrogen on-site, is to be developed by EPC contractor MT Group.

Construction of the project is set to begin this year, with a total projected value of €10.5 million.

IMI has been contracted to provide its VIVO electrolyzer, enabling the Lithuanian port to produce 500 kg of green hydrogen on-site daily.

This is equivalent to 127 tons per year while using an electrical input of 3 MW, drawn from sustainable sources. On-site production helps to reduce the need for transportation and storage of hydrogen, while also reducing associated emissions, IMI explained.

The hydrogen produced by the electrolyzer will be used to fuel vessels and shore-side equipment and help the port operator achieve emission reduction targets set in the European Green Deal requiring ports to achieve a 90% reduction in transport emissions by 2050.

Mauro Natalini, Sales & Business Development Manager at IMI, said: “Electrolysers can provide huge benefits to the marine sector, and help to meet the stringent targets set out by the EU as part of the European Green Deal.
 
“We’ve been working closely with both MT Group and the Seaport Authority throughout this process, with some of their technicians recently visiting our manufacturing site in Sardinia to see the electrolyser production process in person. This cements our strong bond, as we both strive to help accelerate the use of green hydrogen in the Baltic region. It also reflects our commitment to working with our clients to help deliver solutions that enable emissions reductions in key industries.”