Hungary’s First Green Hydrogen Plant Starts Trial Operation
On June 3rd, Hungary’s first green hydrogen plant was handed over in a ceremonial setting at the Bükkábrányi Energy Park. The facility has started its official trial operation.
It produces hydrogen using renewable energy from the local solar park. Thereby it not only serves the fight against climate change but also takes a significant step towards the country’s energy independence.
The Bükkábrányi Energy Park is one of the largest solar parks in Hungary
Bükkábrányi Energy Park can produce a peak output of more than 22 MWp with the help of 65,000 polycrystalline solar cells. The park is located on an area of 32 hectares.
It has been revived with the recultivation of the former open-pit lignite mine of the Mátra Power Plant and actively contributes to the spread of sustainable energy sources.
The new green hydrogen plant converts the electricity produced by the solar park into hydrogen with the help of a complex electrolysis system.
A successful testing phase preceded the plant’s start-up. The development is significant because it is the first of this type in Hungary. It is closely aligned with the country’s national hydrogen strategy announced in 2021.
“Even in times of war, the government sticks to its policy, and supports the development of the economy, job creation and families.
“We pursue an energy policy that supports the interests of the Hungarian people and domestic businesses, creating the conditions for further development.
“The green hydrogen development in Bükkábrány coincides with the government’s energy policy intentions. We aim to balance and regulate the record-growing capacity of renewable energy sources,” said Energy Minister Csaba Lantos.
The owners and representatives of the project took part in the ceremony.
Lőrinc Mészáros, the owner of the Mészáros Group, said: “In the current economic environment, meeting energy needs is an ever-increasing challenge.
“So it is essential to turn to alternative, sustainable energy sources. In addition to the green hydrogen project, further high-tech experimental developments are taking place. All this helps us to increase our competitiveness and keep our interests on a sustainable growth path.”
András Tállai, the region’s parliamentary representative, said in his speech: “The settlements of the Mezőkövesd district are still bearing the hardships of Borsod’s industrial heritage. However, the intention to innovate can be implemented in every village.
“New opportunities open up by creatively utilising local features. An excellent example is the Bükkábrány barren wasteland brought to new life by recultivation and the energetic developments that will be established here.”
Szabolcs Szalai, the mayor of Bükkábrány, emphasised: “The mining areas in Bükkábrány are being recycled. It is a huge opportunity for our settlement to participate in renewable energy production.
“We want to maintain our significant role in Hungary’s energy supply in the long term to provide space for innovations. The current development is an excellent starting point for this.”
The Bükkábrányi Energy Park and the University of Szeged are implementing industrial-scale testing of the “power2gas” technology. The goal of the development is the efficient use of excess energy, produced by the solar park. It can later be used for various industrial and transport purposes.
The electrolyser uses the electricity produced by the solar park to break down water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen is stored in bottles after increasing the pressure, while the oxygen is released into the atmosphere.
The high quality of the green hydrogen produced allows it to be used for medicinal and scientific purposes. However, it can also be used in fuel cells and mixed with natural gas in energy production.
Hungary’s National Hydrogen Strategy’s goal is to develop the hydrogen economy. It aims to strengthen the country’s role within the European hydrogen industry. In the long term, the strategy focuses on “green” hydrogen produced from renewable sources. It also considers hydrogen production possibilities based on nuclear and other carbon-free electricity.
The opening of the green hydrogen plant is a significant step towards achieving the decarbonisation goals in Hungary. The new plant can also contribute to green public transport and many industrial uses.
Byline: Reinis Alksnājs
