Beijing-based Hygreen Energy, one of China’s biggest electrolyser manufacturers, has unveiled plans to establish a production plant in Spain with annual capacity of up to 5GW, as part of an aggressive push into Europe.

The new facility, to be sited in Malaga, will initially focus on the production of 5MW systems that comply with European standards. The company specialises in both proton-exchange-membrane and alkaline technologies.

Hygreen also plans to develop €2b ($2.2b) worth of large-scale green hydrogen production capacity of up to 1.12GW with strategic partners in Huelva in the Andalucia region of Spain. Plans are also in place to create a research and development programme dedicated to advancing electrolyser technologies, plus a 10MW testing platform for alkaline systems.

“By establishing an electrolyser factory, launching an R&D programme, and developing green hydrogen plants, Hygreen Energy will be well positioned to capitalize on the burgeoning hydrogen market in Europe, offering electrolyser solutions that are precisely primed for Europe and tailored to our customers’ project performance and delivery needs,” said Benny Wang, CEO at Hygreen.

Hygreen was formerly known as Beijing SinoHy Energy. It was rebranded earlier this year as part of a strategy to expand its business in Europe and in the US. The firm has brought in several senior managers with experience in European and US markets to spearhead the expansion. These included industry veteran Paul Browning, former CEO of Mitsubishi Power Americas, as senior adviser on the North American market.

The move to develop a production base in Spain follows a string of agreements with local developers, customers and EPC firms announced in recent months by the Chinese company.

Government officials from Andalucia met with Hygreen management in Beijing in August to pave the way for the expansion, which is a boost for the Spanish region’s bid to become a green hydrogen hub.

“Within Spain, the southern region of Andalucia is positioning itself as a green hydrogen leader with its significant wind and solar power potential,” Hygreen said.

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Author: Stuart Penson