BESIX and John Cockerill confirmed as first-class industrial partners for the first renewable hydrogen production plant in Belgium

After the grant of the Environment and Construction permit, and the signature of the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract with BESIX, BESIX Environment and John Cockerill Hydrogen earlier this year, the project Hyoffwind has now reached financial close for the construction of Belgium's first 25 MW renewable hydrogen production plant. Subsequently, the Client Virya Energy has given the notice to proceed to the consortium of BESIX, BESIX Environment and John Cockerill Hydrogen.

This milestone agreement signifies another step forward for the project to stay on track to produce the first green hydrogen molecules in Zeebrugge in 2026.

Upon its construction, the plant, developed by Virya Energy, HyoffGreen and Messer, will have an initial production capacity of 14,000 t of green hydrogen per year, with the possibility for future expansion. The coastal city of Zeebrugge is the preferred location for construction due to the close renewable electricity production by offshore wind parks, and the presence of many established industrial actors, offering potential avenues for utilizing the green hydrogen produced. Additionally, Zeebrugge's strategic infrastructure connects it to wider European gas networks, positioning it well for potential future developments in the renewable hydrogen market.

Mark Beyst, General Manager BESIX Belgium-Luxembourg: “The project Hyoffwind stands at the forefront of Europe's green hydrogen initiatives. BESIX Group, experienced in handling complex industrial projects, is extremely proud to contribute to this leading project by offering the concept, engineering, construction, installation and commissioning expertise of two companies in our Group: BESIX Environment for the electromechanical works and BESIX for the civil and building works. We are thrilled to now start the execution part of this project.”

Adrien Theunissen, Director BESIX Environment: “Previous successful collaborations between BESIX and BESIX Environment have proven that BESIX Group entities are the perfect match for partners like John Cockerill Hydrogen and for clients as Virya Energy to carry out this kind of EPC-contract efficiently. The collaboration between our teams, along with John Cockerill's and Virya’s, in developing solutions, promises to set this project as a benchmark in our collective journey towards decarbonising our economies.”

Raphael Tilot, CEO John Cockerill Hydrogen: “With our partner BESIX, we are proud to collaborate with Vyria Energy on the realisation of this green hydrogen production facility in Zeebrugge. John Cockerill Hydrogen will deliver to the Hyoffwind project our most advanced electrolyzer technology manufactured in our European gigafactory. Together, we are shaping a cleaner and more sustainable energy future for Belgium and Europe.”