Trafigura increases commitment to green hydrogen

(Posted on 11/10/23)

Trafigura Group Pte has agreed with H2 Energy Holding AG founders to increase its shareholding in H2 Energy Europe AG to become majority owners, as development plans ramp up for large-scale green hydrogen production projects and mid- and downstream hydrogen supply and distribution infrastructure in Europe. H2 Energy Holding AG’s founders retain a minority ownership and will continue to contribute their extensive knowledge and expertise to the Company.

Trafigura is a leading commodities group, which connects vital resources to power, deploying infrastructure, market expertise and a worldwide logistics network to move metals and minerals, oil and petroleum products, gas and power from where they are produced to where they are needed.

In addition, Trafigura retains its support for and minority equity interest in H2 Energy Holding AG, which will continue to focus on developing green hydrogen eco-systems and green hydrogen technologies.

Rolf Huber, Founder of H2 Energy remarked: "This is a welcome development that strategically positions both companies for future growth and investment. As we move forward, our primary objective is to fortify our green hydrogen eco-system, focusing on infrastructural engineering projects, the development of fuel cell applications, and the development and commercialization of key hydrogen equipment. Collaborating closely with Trafigura, we aim to leverage each other's expertise to advance our shared goal of making green hydrogen a cornerstone of the energy system.”

Julien Rolland, Head of Strategic Projects and Investments for Trafigura said: “Today’s announcement allows H2 Energy Europe to focus on developing large-scale green hydrogen projects and distribution networks across Europe, while H2 Energy Holding AG will focus on its core business and technology development. Trafigura and H2 Energy Holding AG will continue to co-operate closely and benefit from each partner’s respective expertise.”

Plans to build a 1 GW green hydrogen facility in Esbjerg, Denmark are progressing, with COWI commissioned in June this year to conduct the front-end engineering design (FEED) for the production plant. A final investment decision is expected in 2024.

In South Wales, H2 Energy Europe has recently submitted a formal planning application to construct a 20 MW green hydrogen production facility within the port of Milford Haven in South Wales, with local company InSite Technical Services Ltd currently undertaking the FEED study. The project has reached the final negotiation stage for funding under the UK government’s Hydrogen Business Model and Net Zero Hydrogen Fund: Electrolytic Allocation Round 2022, with final projects expected to be announced this year. Subject to government support, the facility should be commissioned within two years, using domestic renewable energy to produce green hydrogen for shipping and road transport, as a chemical feedstock and to provide power for industrial use across the South Wales Industrial Cluster.