Terranova Hydrogen NV is the new company founded by Terranova, Luminus and Nippon Gases Belgium. They are working together to build and operate an installation for the production of green hydrogen at Zonneberg in Zelzate.
Production of green hydrogen
The three companies will collaborate at Zonneberg on the construction and operation of a 2.5 MW electrolysis unit for the production of green hydrogen, including storage capacity and a compression and filling station. In addition, there is the possibility of further expanding the plant to 5 MW.
From brownfield to green energy production center
The green hydrogen will be produced at Terranova's sites on the Zonneberg in North Sea Port at Zelzate with locally generated green electricity. DEME, Jan De Nul and Aertssen, Terranova's shareholders, have been joining forces for more than 10 years to transform this former brownfield. At Terranova is now a large solar park on this former brownfield site, and this project will continue the conversion to a production center for green energy. In addition, the site is centrally located along the R4 ring road around the port of Ghent, at a crossroads of freeways Antwerp-Bruges and Lille-Rotterdam and also along the Ghent-Terneuzen canal.
Preparatory works
As part of the rollout of the "Flemish Hydrogen Vision", the Flemish government granted strategic support of €4.33 million to Terranova Hydrogen NV at the end of 2022. Meanwhile, the license was also obtained and Terranova NV started the preparatory works on the site. Production of the first hydrogen molecule is planned for early 2025.
The three partners behind Terranova (DEME, Jan De Nul and Aertssen): “We are delighted to enter into this cooperation with Luminus and Nippon Gases for the production of green hydrogen on our sites. This is another great step in the intended transformation of a former brownfield into a green energy hub in the middle of the Ghent port area.”
Grégoire Dallemagne, CEO of Luminus: “Luminus wants to build a carbon-neutral energy future where planetary protection, human well-being and economic growth are reconciled. That is our reason of living. This project therefore fits perfectly within our strategy and we are proud to be able to actively contribute to its implementation."
Frank Rutten, Managing Director van Nippon Gases: "To achieve a carbon-neutral world, it is important to switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. Nippon Gases is committed to helping its customers make this transition possible in the future. This production of hydrogen based solely on green energy is therefore for us the model example of what a climate-neutral industry can look like. Together with the other partners, we hope to contribute to a future that our children and grandchildren can enjoy for a long time to come.”
About Luminus
We produce electricity and provide energy and energy services. We are No. 1 in onshore wind and hydro power in Belgium. We also play a key role in Belgium's security of supply thanks to several natural gas-fired power plants that accommodate the variable nature of solar and wind energy. With an installed capacity of 2.269 MW in December 2022, Luminus represents about 10% of the total installed capacity in Belgium. We sell electricity, gas and energy services to residential and professional customers, with a market share of about 24%. We invest in tomorrow's energy challenges by offering our customers innovative energy efficiency solutions and we remain committed to renewable energy. We are 2,537 employees. The majority of them are committed full-time to the development of energy efficiency services and renewable energy. For the eleventh year in a row, our company is among the 87 companies elected Top Employer in Belgium. We boast strong local roots and the expertise of the EDF Group, one of the world leaders in the energy sector. More information is available at www.luminus.be
About Terranova
Terranova nv is a joint venture between DEME Environmental, Jan De Nul nv, its environmental subsidiary Envisan nv, Aertssen. The three Belgian companies are experts in earthmoving, dredging and marine works, installations of infrastructure for energy extraction at sea, environmental remediation and civil construction.
DEME (Euronext Brussels: DEME) is a leading contractor in offshore energy, environmental remediation, dredging and marine infrastructure. DEME is also active in concession activities in offshore wind energy, marine infrastructure, green hydrogen and deep sea mineral extraction. The company can build on more than 145 years of experience and is a leader in innovation and new technologies. DEME's vision is to work for a sustainable future by providing solutions to global challenges: rising sea levels, growing populations, reducing emissions, polluted rivers and soils, and scarcity of minerals. DEME can count on approximately 5,000 highly trained professionals and has one of the largest and most technologically advanced fleets in the world. https://www.deme-group.com
Jan De Nul nv and Envisan nv are part of Jan De Nul Group, a modern and innovative company tackling today's complex challenges. Its talented people develop sustainable solutions that contribute to the energy transition and secure the future of the next generation.
The group's expertise lies in five main activities: offshore energy, dredging and marine services, civil construction, environmental projects and project development. The company enables offshore energy production and keeps waterways at depth. It builds new ports and creates additional land. It realizes complex infrastructure works and places any type of building. It tackles pollution in any form. From design and engineering to execution and maintenance, Jan De Nul Group relieves its customers with total solutions that combine one, several or even all activities. - www.jandenul.com
The Aertssen Group is an international family business with more than 60 years of experience, specializing in construction and infrastructure works, crane rental and exceptional transport and logistics services. Its portfolio also includes green energy, inland navigation and real estate development.
Aertssen Group operates in more than 30 countries worldwide and has a turnover of 300 million euros. The company has its headquarters in Stabroek (Antwerp) and branches throughout Belgium, neighboring countries and the Middle East. With more than 1,500 motivated employees, extensive expertise and high-tech machinery, the family business brings every project to a successful conclusion. Building the most beautiful projects with a passion for people and machines: we at Aertssen give the very best of ourselves every day. In short: People, power and passion to build on!