Plans have been unveiled for an innovative multi-million pound green hydrogen production facility at the Ballymena headquarters of globally renowned sustainable bus manufacturer Wrightbus.
Subject to planning approval, the new facility, which is being delivered by Wrightbus in partnership with Hygen Energy, will initially produce enough clean energy to power 300 hydrogen powered buses a day in Northern Ireland.
Green hydrogen is a completely renewable fuel, meaning it does not create any carbon emissions. It is made by using renewable electricity to separate water into oxygen and hydrogen – a process called electrolysis. The hydrogen is then used onsite or transported to where it is needed.
Since being acquired by Jo Bamford in 2019, Wrightbus has been one of the most successful proponents of the clean hydrogen revolution. This has included the company introducing the world’s first hydrogen powered fleet of double-decker buses in 2020, which by November 2022 achieved the incredible milestone of travelling 1.75 million miles since first entering service.
With huge emphasis being placed by the UK government, and governments across the world, on the role of green hydrogen in the drive for net zero, a central focus for industry is ensuring there is enough hydrogen being produced to fulfil those ambitions.
Jo Bamford, Chairman of Wrightbus, says:
‘Wrightbus is delighted to be working with Hygen on this hydrogen production project at our factory in Ballymena.
“One of our key objectives when we purchased Wrightbus in 2019 was to bring the first UK manufactured hydrogen double decker bus to market.
“We have done this, with our Hydroliner buses now moving passengers every day in a number of cities across the UK, including here in Belfast.
“Hydrogen is the best means of decarbonising many bus routes, but for this to happen bus operators need a reliable and voluminous supply of low cost low carbon hydrogen. It is great to see a project that is being sized to enable future demand for hydrogen here in Northern Ireland to be met.
“This project will initially be able to produce enough hydrogen to run up to 300 buses, and has the potential to triple in scale as demand for hydrogen increases. We hope it will set an example for how these projects will be designed and built.”
Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan has welcomed the major plans announced by Wrightbus.
The North Antrim MLA said:
“Plans by Wrightbus to develop a new hydrogen fuel production facility in Ballymena is welcome news.
“It’s projected that this facility will be able to power up to 300 hydrogen buses daily, with the ability to expand even further to meet demand.
“Not only will this help to cut carbon emissions produced from public transport, but it will also help to create jobs, bring money into the local economy and grow this local business.
“Wrightbus have just recently secured contracts to produce hydrogen and electric buses for the south and Germany as they reap the benefits of unique access to the EU single market.”
A community consultation process for the project is now underway, led by Renewable Connections, development partner of Hygen. This is aimed at encouraging people in the vicinity of the site to provide their feedback on the proposed project before any planning application is submitted.
It is intended that a planning application will be submitted to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council in April 2023. It is hoped a planning decision will be issued in winter 2023, meaning the facility will become operational in summer 2024.
The community consultation process for the Ballymena green hydrogen facility will include two ‘drop-in’ public exhibitions at the Wrightbus site at 201 Galgorm Road on Friday 3rd March 2023 (3pm – 7pm) and Saturday 4th March 2023 (10am – 2pm). Members of the public are encouraged to stop by, view the plans, speak with a member of the project team and provide their feedback.
Further information about the project is also available online: