Clean energy pioneer Hygen has announced the acquisition of the HyBont low-carbon hydrogen project from Marubeni Corporation.

HyBont, a low-carbon hydrogen production and refuelling project located in Bridgend, Wales, was successfully awarded funding through the UK Government’s first Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR1) for electrolytic hydrogen production.

The project could be strategically important for Hygen, adding another HAR-supported asset to its growing portfolio (see *Notes to Editors* below) and representing its first hydrogen project in Wales and the west of the UK.

Hygen is part of the HydraB Group, led by green entrepreneur Jo Bamford, which also includes Wrightbus, a world-leader in EV and hydrogen fuel-cell buses, and Ryze, which transports and distributes renewable energy, including hydrogen.

Although the first step involves a detailed feasibility of the site, Hygen CEO Kevin Selleslags said the acquisition was an important next step for the business.

“HyBont has the potential to be a high-quality project that aligns strongly with our strategy of targeting the development of hydrogen infrastructure in areas of real demand,” he explained.

“We’re looking forward to working alongside all stakeholders as the detailed feasibility study is undertaken.”

At the heart of the HyBont project is a planned low-carbon hydrogen production and refuelling facility at Brynmenyn Industrial Estate which could produce and supply over two tonnes per day of low-carbon hydrogen.  The project could also include a new local solar array to be used directly to generate hydrogen at the site.

The facility would be designed to supply low-carbon hydrogen for a range of uses, including zero-emission transport such as buses, heavy goods vehicles and tube trailers, as well as existing and new industrial customers in the local area.

Charles Portwain, Chief Financial Officer at Hygen, added: “HAR has been instrumental in unlocking investment into early hydrogen projects and we are proud to be building a portfolio of assets to help establish hydrogen as a reliable, cost-effective energy solution across the UK.”

Tomoki Nishino, Chief Executive Officer at Marubeni Europower, added: “We are pleased to see HyBont now continuing its journey in the good hands of Hygen. Marubeni developed HyBont to provide cleaner air and to take a meaningful step towards a more sustainable society by contributing to the transition to net zero. We very much look forward to HyBont delivering positive impacts to Bridgend, Wales, and the UK.”

Government Energy Minister Michael Shanks MP said:

“We welcome Hygen taking this project forward, marking the conclusion of the HAR1 contract signature process and also a significant step for the UK’s hydrogen ambitions. This project offers a real opportunity to demonstrate low-carbon hydrogen production at scale, create skilled jobs, and support economic growth in Wales.

“Hydrogen is part of our clean energy mission, helping cut emissions from sectors like transport and industry while driving innovation and investment.

“We look forward to seeing the next stages of this project as it realises these benefits and contributes to building a secure, low-carbon energy system for the future.”