Cutting-edge hydrogen production facility planned for Longford

In a significant development for Longford, Hydrogen Utopia International (HUI) has set its sights on the former Atlantic Mills denim factory site to establish a cutting-edge hydrogen production facility, through its Irish subsidiary Alister Future Technologies (AFT).

The company has secured an EU grant bringing it ever closer to building a full-scale plant transforming end-of-life waste plastic into low-carbon hydrogen.

HUI say this will contribute to a more sustainable future for Longford and Ireland providing a paragon of circularity for the region.

The grant is expected to reimburse AFT for 75% of expenditure incurred on Irish soil, of up to €450,000.

Led by the CEO and Founder, Aleksandra Binkowska, HUI is pioneering a revolutionary technology that converts plastic waste into valuable low-carbon hydrogen gas, via a sealed system with no burning or unsightly smokestacks on the horizon, and zero harmful emissions.

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Speaking about their groundbreaking process, Ms Binkowska explained, "We take end-of-life waste plastic and, without recourse to combustion, convert it into synthesis gas (‘syngas’), from which we extract the hydrogen. It’s a sophisticated process that demands engineering expertise, for which this grant will be used".

The potential of hydrogen as a clean energy source is immense. Ms Binkowska initially focused on its application in the transport sector but emphasises that H2 has versatile uses across various industries. One of the critical aspects of HUI's approach is tackling the issue of carbon emissions that can accompany traditional hydrogen generation.

"Much hydrogen production today emits copious CO2, which has to be dealt with, at extra cost. We take plastic that nobody needs, which would ordinarily go to landfill, and convert it with negligible to nil CO2 released. Thus, HUI’s method can help solve dual issues of climate change and plastic pollution in one stroke", Ms Binkowska stated.

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The grant aid is a significant boost for HUI's research and development (R&D) efforts. It will help the company further explore and refine the technology required to build their low-carbon hydrogen production plant.

Expressing her delight at securing the funding, Ms Binkowska said, "This grant is exactly what we need, aimed at organisations looking to use plastic to make energy, reducing reliance on virgin fossil fuels. Furthermore, I’m proud to say that we are one of only two for-profit businesses to have been awarded it."

Ms Binkowska, originally from Poland and now working across the EU, initially considered piloting the venture in her homeland. However, she quickly recognised Ireland's potential as a prime location for her cleaner hydrogen future.

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"Having looked around, Longford was an ideal place for such a venture. The site is ideally located within reach of Dublin, as well as several waste disposal companies who have expressed their excitement to work with us going forward", she explained.

She also praised the warm reception from the people of County Longford, along with the proactive support received from both Longford Local Enterprise Office and the County Council, making the decision to establish HUI in Ireland an easy one.

The benefits of HUI's hydrogen venture extend beyond creating a cleaner environment. The company aims to contribute to the local economy by generating employment opportunities.

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Ms Binkowska projects that once the facility is fully operational, it could create between 15 and 30 full-time jobs, offering a positive economic impact for the region.

With the Longford project leading the way, HUI’s business model could ultimately be replicated throughout the country.

The grant aid is part of the Interreg Atlantic Area 2021-2027 European Development Fund, which covers the western part of the Atlantic Ocean and includes all regions of Ireland and Portugal, as well as several French and Spanish regions close to or on the Atlantic Ocean. The funding opportunity, formally approved by the European Commission on September 8, 2022, is expected to play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable, innovative, commercially viable projects, like HUI's circular model.

Ms Binkowska concluded, “Our aim is that the clean energy hub in Longford will rekindle the prosperity and employment opportunities that the Burlington factory once provided the area. The Longford plant will be the first one of more we intend to build in Ireland, as we lead the way and prove the concept as part of a Pan-European system.”