Successful Hydrogen hub trial at Milford Haven

Milford Haven Energy Kingdom (MH:EK) is a two-year £4.5 million project, completed in 2022, exploring what a decarbonised smart local energy system could look like for Milford Haven, Pembroke and Pembroke Dock. The project explored the potential of zero carbon hydrogen alongside renewable electricity to meet all of our future energy needs. Central to the project, and to achieving net-zero carbon emissions, was a commitment to engage with the community and local industry, providing insight and opportunities for economic growth.

HyQube 500

The Requirement

The project was multi-faceted, with the team investigating local renewable energy, including solar, onshore wind, future offshore wind and biomass to support a transition to zero carbon gas; developing the business cases for accelerating to a hydrogen economy for energy demand in buildings, transport and industry; and delivering demonstrations through a hydrogen-ready hybrid heating system and a consumer trial of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The vehicles, two Rasa hydrogen fuel cell electric cars from Welsh company Riversimple, operate as fleet cars around the Milford Haven area. 

The Solution

FCSL won the bid to supply a small and redeployable complete hydrogen filling station on the quayside in Milford Haven.  They designed a system to produce green hydrogen using local green electricity to power a containerised electrolyser solution. The hydrogen is compressed, stored and then utilised by a HyQube 350 hydrogen dispenser. The system produces 2kg of hydrogen per day, providing fuel for the cars.

MH:EK provides a blueprint for an investible, local, hydrogen-based energy system that will allow for the integration of heat, power and transport. It will help to safeguard local energy and automotive sector jobs and maintain the momentum in the UK’s transition from natural gas to hydrogen.

Dr Stephen Wyatt, Research and Disruptive Innovation Director, Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult said:

“It is clear that hydrogen has a crucial role to play alongside offshore wind if the UK is to achieve our goal of Net Zero. The MH:EK project is providing us with the real-world experience of the technology and commercial systems which will be vital in our transition to a low carbon economy.”

Simon Hart, Secretary of State for Wales, with Beth Dawson from FCSL