Bridgend County Borough Council’s Development Control Committee has been minded to approve Marubeni Europower`s Planning Application with conditions. The application is subject to the Welsh Government`s Holding Direction.

The decision reached on the 20^th February 2025 during a special meeting which was convened to determine the planning application for the hydrogen and solar energy development. Earlier in the day, council members visited the two proposed sites, located in Bryncethin and Brynmenyn, before reconvening at the civic offices for the special meeting.

At the same meeting, the Committee also considered HyBont`s Hazardous Substances Consent application. Prior to this the Health and Safety Executive concluded that the risks to the surrounding population arising from the proposed operation(s) are so small that there is no significant concern over safety.

The Committee granted the Hazardous Substances Consent application with an overwhelming majority.

The proposed facility at Brynmenyn Industrial Estate will include a hydrogen production plant with electrolysers to generate hydrogen using electrical power, along with hydrogen storage and a refuelling station. The associated solar farm in Bryncethin will provide renewable energy to power the site.

Designed to support Bridgend’s shift towards sustainable energy, the HyBont project aims to deploy innovative technology to supply green hydrogen and contribute to the creation of a greener, cleaner future for Wales.

George Dodd, Senior Vice President, Marubeni Europower said:

“We are grateful for the Development Control Committee’s support for the HyBont project, and we now await Welsh Government’s decision on the call in. We remain committed to working with local stakeholders and the community as we advance with this project.”

For more information about Marubeni Europower’s HyBont Scheme, visit https://hybont.co.uk/