Klaipeda Port – Lithuania has achieved a significant milestone in green energy production as MT Group, a prominent European EPC contractor specializing in energy infrastructure projects, signed a major contract with the Klaipeda State Seaport Authority to build the Baltic region’s first green hydrogen production and refueling station. This groundbreaking project will be established in the Port of Klaipeda, marking a critical step towards Lithuania’s sustainable energy future. The total value of the project is estimated at €10.5 million.
Scope of the Hydrogen Station Project
Under the agreement, MT Group will oversee the design, supply, installation, and commissioning of the hydrogen station’s technological equipment. This encompasses the integration of electrical, automation, and safety systems, as well as full project management and construction process oversight. Additionally, MT Group will provide two years of warranty maintenance. Preparatory work has already begun, with full-scale construction set to commence in 2025.
The green hydrogen at Klaipeda will be produced through a process called electrolysis using a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyzer. The station will have an electricity demand of up to 3 MW, powering hydrogen production at a rate of approximately 500 kilograms per day, equating to an annual output of 127 tonnes. The produced hydrogen will be stored in high-pressure (550 bar) and very high-pressure (1000 bar) stationary tanks, ensuring a consistent and reliable supply.
Strategic Role of the Port of Klaipeda
Mindaugas Zakaras, CEO of MT Group, praised the project’s significance, noting that the Port of Klaipeda is poised to become a regional leader in green technologies:
“The Port of Klaipeda, as a strategic transportation hub, has great potential to become a flagship of green technologies in the Baltic region. We commend the Port of Klaipeda for its strong commitment to sustainable green energy and addressing climate change, particularly by leading the implementation of this pilot project, which will serve as a benchmark for other hydrogen initiatives in the region.”
The initiative aligns with Lithuania’s 2021–2030 Energy Development Program, spearheaded by the Ministry of Energy, aimed at fostering advanced technologies, reducing fossil fuel dependency, and expanding hydrogen production capabilities.
Hydrogen as an Alternative Fuel for Port and Transport Operations
The produced green hydrogen will be used to meet the needs of the Port of Klaipeda’s operations and extend to other public and business sectors. A portion of the hydrogen will be allocated to power rail and road transport, including private vehicles, making it an environmentally friendly alternative fuels to traditional fuels. Plans are also in place to explore refueling commercial vessels arriving at the port, as shipping increasingly transitions towards alternative fuel sources.
Algis Latakas, General Director of the Klaipeda State Seaport Authority, emphasized the broader impact of this hydrogen initiative:
“Another environmentally friendly energy source is coming to Lithuania. In a couple of years, in addition to electricity generated by solar, wind, or other renewable energy sources, we will also have green hydrogen. We are determined not only to create energy that will reduce our environmental impact, but also to contribute to the development of clean energy in Lithuania and Europe by empowering hydrogen as a sustainable energy source for our ships, transport, and industry.”
High-Purity Hydrogen Fuel for Various Uses
MT Group will ensure that the hydrogen produced at the Klaipeda station will meet the highest standards, with at least 99.99% purity, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including private vehicles and other types of transport. This cutting-edge facility will be designed with maximum efficiency and safety in mind, aligning with international best practices for hydrogen production and storage.
MT Group’s Role in Europe’s Green Energy Transition
As a leading EPC contractor, MT Group has a long-standing reputation for executing critical energy and industrial infrastructure projects across Europe. Their expertise in renewable energy, hydrogen production, and carbon capture technologies positions them as a key player in the decarbonization of various sectors. MT Group is also a founding partner of Green Energy Park Global, one of the world’s largest renewable energy ventures, set to produce cost-competitive green hydrogen on a gigawatt scale.
This collaboration with the Klaipeda State Seaport Authority underscores Lithuania’s commitment to green energy development, establishing the country as a forward-thinking leader in the Baltic region’s energy transition.
This new green hydrogen initiative sets the stage for Lithuania to enhance its energy independence and contribute to Europe’s sustainable future, while positioning the Port of Klaipeda as a green technology hub in the Baltic region.
About Klaipėda Port
The Port of Klaipėda is Lithuania’s largest and most important seaport, playing a crucial role in the Baltic Sea region’s maritime and logistics networks. As one of the most advanced ports in Europe, Klaipėda handles over 46 million tons of cargo annually, facilitating trade between Western Europe, Scandinavia, and Eastern Europe. It boasts a deep-water harbor capable of accommodating large vessels and offers year-round ice-free operations. The port is a leader in environmental sustainability, implementing green initiatives such as shore power systems, LNG bunkering, and now, green methanol-powered shipping routes. With connections to over 600 ports worldwide, the Port of Klaipėda is a vital hub for both regional and international shipping.
About MT Group
MT Group is a leading EPC contractor specializing in critical energy and industrial infrastructure projects throughout Europe. Their expertise spans the development, engineering, and construction of renewable energy, hydrogen, and carbon capture facilities. As a founding partner of Green Energy Park Global, MT Group plays a pivotal role in the global push towards decarbonization, delivering large-scale green hydrogen solutions to meet the energy demands of hard-to-abate sectors.
Source MT Group