The role of Efacec on the project:

Efacec Energia contributes its long and solid experience to this project, along with its know-how and technological competences in the field of electrical energy, namely in digital control and in the development of power electronics solutions.

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In this project, Efacec will actively participate in the collection of data and the development of a comprehensive study on power conversion solutions for the electrolyser. In addition, Efacec will contribute to the engineering of the electrolyser modules, through the design of different conversion architectures to be included within the scope of the project.

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What is GreenH2Atlanctic?

GreenH2Atlantic was one of three projects selected under Horizon 2020 - Green Deal to demonstrate the viability of green hydrogen on an unprecedented scale of production and technological application. This project is highly relevant in view of the future role of green hydrogen as one of the pillars of economic growth, constituting a crucial energy vector in the decarbonisation process of the main sectors of the economy.

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The project will play an important role in this energy transition, as it will allow the conversion of an old coal-powered power plant into an innovative 100 MW green hydrogen production centre in the Port of Sines, aligned with the European decarbonisation and energy transition strategies. Construction is expected to start in 2023 and operations in 2025, subject to the necessary authorisations from the authorities.

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The 100 MW electrolyser will consist of innovative, scalable 16 MW modules with high capacity to achieve maximum efficiency, size, lifetime and flexibility. Other innovative features include the interface system composed of advanced management technologies that will allow a direct connection between the electrolyser and local hybrid renewable energy (solar and wind).

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The main objectives of the project include:

1. establish a Portuguese greenhydrogen (H2) production centre for Europe at the Port of Sines,
2. effectively integrate multiple renewable energy sources, the local electricity grid, the Sines refinery and the natural gas grid by using green H2 as an energy vehicle,
3. produce the most competitive green H2 in Europe due to the lower level cost of renewable energy in Europe and improved real-time management of all elements of the value chain, and
4. contribute to Europe and Portugal's long-term decarbonisation strategy for efforts to decarbonise hard-to-electrify sectors.

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The renewable hydrogen production project in Sines will be developed by a consortium of 13 entities, including companies such as EDP, Galp, ENGIE, Bondalti, Martifer, Vestas Wind Systems A/S, McPhy and Efacec, and academic and research partners such as ISQ, INESC-TEC, DLR and CEA, and the public-private Axelera cluster.

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Upon successful completion, the GREENH2ATLANTIC project will demonstrate the potential of a 100 MW alkaline electrolyser in effectively integrating solar and wind energy with multiple local industrial applications, at a TRL8. This will result in value creation and significantly impact the European green H2industry in operational and environmental dimensions as well as economic and financial dimensions and technological and social dimensions.

Source : September edition of H2 Magazine, by AP2H2 - Portuguese Association for the Promotion of Hydrogen

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