Hydrogen plant plans on hold after safety concerns

Plans to build a controversial hydrogen energy facility have been put on hold after the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) raised concerns.

Japanese firm Marubeni Europower wants to create a hydrogen storage and refuelling unit, as well as a solar energy scheme in Bridgend county - this led to protests from nearby residents.

It has since emerged that the HSE sent a letter to Bridgend council in October - just a day before plans for the Hybont hydrogen project were set to be discussed by a special committee - in which it advised against granting hazardous substance consent on safety grounds following an assessment.

The developer said the project would "remain paused" to address the issues raised.

A section of the HSE letter said, on the basis of an assessment, "HSE have concluded that the risks to the surrounding population arising from the proposed operation(s) are sufficiently high to justify advising against the granting of hazardous substances consent on grounds of safety".

The developer wants to build a hydrogen production and refuelling facility at Brynmenyn Industrial Estate, partially powered by building a solar farm at Bryncethin.

It has been talking to the Welsh government since 2021 about bringing its project to Wales.

A statement on the Hybont website said: "HSE has clarified that this is specifically regarding the arrangement and management of moveable storage containers on the site - in this case, this relates to tube-trailer lorries that will transport hydrogen off the site to customers."

"Whilst these are being considered and addressed, all proposed site development and planning application processes will remain paused," it said.

"Safety remains at the core of this project.

"Therefore, we welcome this important feedback and we will be continuing to work with HSE and BCBC [the council] to ensure HyBont is delivered as an industry-leading facility."