RWE – the largest power producer in Wales, and the country’s number one renewable energy generator – has announced that its innovative Pembroke Green Hydrogen plant has been granted full planning approval.
This milestone project has the potential to become Wales’ first major green hydrogen facility, reinforcing Wales’s leading role in clean energy innovation.
The Pembroke Green Hydrogen plant could enable the production of green hydrogen, with the 100MWe electrolyser strategically located on RWE land adjacent to the Pembroke Power Station. The plant will include a direct pipeline connection to nearby industry. The project is anticipated to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 93,000 tonnes annually, equivalent to removing 18,600 cars from the road every year.
This planning approval is a critical step toward the realisation of the Pembroke Green Hydrogen plant, the firm said. It also lays the foundation for the next phases of the project, including securing government funding and finalising financial investment decisions.
Sopna Sury, Chief Operating Officer for Hydrogen at RWE Generation, said:
“It is fantastic to have achieved this significant milestone. We would like to thank the collaborative and proactive approach of the Pembrokeshire County Council planning team and all the statutory consultees who together supported a smooth and efficient planning process. With this approval, Wales is positioned at the forefront of the green hydrogen revolution, placing hydrogen at the heart of the energy transition and driving forward innovation in renewable energy.
“While the UK energy sector has made great progress toward decarbonisation, certain industrial processes remain dependent on fossil fuels and cannot be electrified. Green hydrogen provides a vital solution for these industries, and Pembroke Green Hydrogen represents a significant step toward achieving the UK Government’s target of 10GW of green hydrogen capacity by 2030.”
Henry Tufnell, MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, said:
“The granting of planning permission for the Pembroke Green Hydrogen plant is a major boost for Wales, showcasing our nation’s pioneering role in renewable energy technology. This project exemplifies Wales’ ability to deliver innovative solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, meet net-zero targets, and secure a reliable energy future for decades to come.”
RWE plays a pivotal role in the South Wales Industrial Cluster (SWIC), a collaborative initiative driving the decarbonisation of industrial processes across the region. SWIC has been instrumental in supporting RWE with this project, providing critical assistance in securing development funding and establishing a clear pathway to progress this innovative green hydrogen plant.
RWE’s ambitions for Pembroke Net Zero Centre will build on Pembrokeshire’s local energy heritage, safeguarding existing jobs at the site, while delivering a significant local economic investment and creating new jobs throughout construction and operation.
RWE is the largest power producer in the UK, and a leading renewable generator with a diverse operational generation portfolio of onshore wind, offshore wind, hydro, biomass and gas.
