Powerhouse Energy Group PLC (AIM:PHE, FRA:BT81) has signed a lease agreement for a 2-acre site at Silverwood Business Park in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, where it plans to develop a waste-to-hydrogen facility.
The company said the 25-year lease includes a rent-free period of up to 12 months and a tenant break clause after five years.
The proposed facility will convert 40 tonnes per day of waste destined for landfill into 99.999% pure hydrogen for end uses such as transport. Discussions are ongoing regarding feedstock supply and offtake arrangements.
Powerhouse said it will shortly submit a planning application to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council. Approval is a condition for the lease to become effective.
“This is a major step forward for the company. Ballymena is set to become the hydrogen hub of Northern Ireland, with the organisations including Wrightbus, Translink and the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council all focused on developing the hydrogen economy in Northern Ireland,” said chief executive Paul Emmitt.
Powerhouse uses a technique called Distributed Modular Generation, or DMG, to break down mixed waste at high temperatures to produce synthetic gas, which can then be used to produce hydrogen, other low-carbon fuels or electricity.