Plug Power's Barrow Green Hydrogen Project Achieves Final Investment Decision

The Barrow Green Hydrogen project is being spearheaded by the Green Hydrogen Energy Company (GHECO), a joint venture formed in 2023 between Schroders Greencoat and Carlton Power. This project aims to produce approximately 100 GWh of green hydrogen annually, primarily to supply Kimberly-Clark’s manufacturing facility in Barrow, which produces well-known consumer products such as Andrex® and Kleenex®.

With the introduction of green hydrogen to this facility, Kimberly-Clark expects to reduce its natural gas consumption by up to 50%, resulting in a substantial decrease of 18,300 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. A long-term power purchase agreement has been established with SEFE, an international energy company, which ensures the provision of renewable electricity necessary for the electrolyzers.

Under the finalized agreement, Plug Power will supply six units of its GenEco™ Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzers, each with a capacity of 5 MW. This project is part of a broader initiative where Plug has been awarded contracts to supply a total of 55 MW of GenEco electrolyzers across three UK-based green hydrogen projects—Barrow, Trafford, and Langage.

With the FID in place for Barrow, this project is the first of the trio to transition into the execution phase, while Trafford and Langage are progressing towards their respective FIDs. These projects are not just vital for local industrial decarbonization efforts but also serve as blueprints for enhancing energy security within the UK, aligning with the government's low-carbon hydrogen ambitions.

Jose Luis Crespo, President and CEO of Plug Power, expressed enthusiasm about the project's progression to the execution phase. “With Barrow now having reached FID, we are moving our largest UK project from award into execution and advancing the delivery of industrial-scale green hydrogen to Kimberly-Clark,” he stated. “This milestone reflects continued confidence in our GenEco electrolyzer technology and its proven performance at scale across projects.”

Kristian Høeg Madsen, Co-Head of Hydrogen Investments at Schroders Greencoat, highlighted the significance of this milestone, stating, “Reaching Final Investment Decision on Barrow is therefore a key milestone for Schroders Greencoat, as well as the UK’s emerging hydrogen economy.”

Eric Adams, Hydrogen Director at Carlton Power, also praised the partnership, stating, “Plug Power’s electrolyzer technology and proven execution capabilities make them a strong partner as we and Schroders Greencoat together advance our hydrogen ambitions in the UK.”

Plug Power's commitment to the hydrogen sector extends beyond the Barrow project. The company views Europe as a critical growth market, actively pursuing multi-gigawatt electrolyzer projects across the UK, Spain, and other European territories. With a global opportunity pipeline exceeding $2 billion, the Barrow project represents Plug’s expanding role as a reliable provider of industrial solutions aimed at making green hydrogen more accessible and cost-effective.

This project not only emphasizes Plug's expertise in large-scale hydrogen production but also underscores its capability in operating extensive electrolytic liquid hydrogen plants, with existing facilities in Tennessee and Louisiana. Plug Power is dedicated to supporting its clients in achieving energy independence and decarbonization on a significant scale.

The successful achievement of the final investment decision for the Barrow Green Hydrogen project signifies a crucial advancement in the UK’s energy transition strategy. As Plug Power continues to forge ahead with innovative hydrogen solutions, it solidifies its position as a leader in the global hydrogen economy, fostering a sustainable future for industries reliant on clean energy.