Key Points
- Oxford-based Hygen Energy has acquired the HyBont low-carbon hydrogen production and refuelling project in Bridgend, Wales, from Japan’s Marubeni Corporation (TYO:8002).
- The project is planned for Brynmenyn Industrial Estate and could produce over two tonnes per day of low-carbon hydrogen, with potential for a new on-site solar array.
- Initial step post-acquisition: detailed feasibility study of the site.
- Originally featured a 7.5 MWe electrolyser plant to produce 500-850 tonnes of green hydrogen annually, powered partly by a 5.5-MWp solar site at Bryncethin via private wire.
- Marubeni Europower launched consultations in March 2023 and secured UK Government HAR1 funding for electrolytic hydrogen production.
- Bridgend County Borough Council withdrew financial support in late 2023 due to budget constraints.
- Secured hazardous substance consent in March 2025 and planning permission in April 2025.
- Hygen CEO Kevin Selleslags stated: “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.”
- Marks Hygen’s first hydrogen project in Wales and the west of the UK.
- UK Energy Minister Michael Shanks welcomed the move, saying: “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.”
- Hygen CFO Charles Portwain 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.”
- Project faced past challenges, including HSE safety concerns in 2024 pausing plans and council withdrawal.
- Community engagement included school workshops by Marubeni and Hyppo Hydrogen Solutions, reaching over 1,600 pupils from October 2023 to March 2025.
Bridgend, Wales (Wales Hydrogen Chronicle) January 16, 2026 – Oxford-based low-carbon hydrogen firm Hygen Energy has acquired the HyBont project from Japanese conglomerate Marubeni Corporation, marking a pivotal shift in Wales’s green energy landscape. The deal, announced in a joint press statement, positions Hygen to advance a site capable of producing more than two tonnes of low-carbon hydrogen daily at Brynmenyn Industrial Estate. This acquisition concludes the HAR1 contract process amid ongoing UK efforts to bolster hydrogen infrastructure.
What Is the HyBont Project?
The HyBont initiative centres on a low-carbon hydrogen production and refuelling facility at Brynmenyn Industrial Estate in Bridgend. Planned to include an electrolyser with 7.5 MWe capacity, it aims to generate 500 to 850 tonnes of green hydrogen yearly. Power would come partially from a 5.5-MWp solar array at Bryncethin connected via private wire, with potential additions like an on-site solar setup for direct use.
As detailed in project updates from the official HyBont website, the facility targets supplies for zero-emission transport such as buses, heavy goods vehicles, and tube trailers, alongside local industrial users. Early plans also encompassed a district heat scheme for schools and Ynysawdre Swimming Pool, though Bridgend Council later pulled support for that element.
Why Did Marubeni Sell the Project?
Marubeni Europower, a subsidiary of Marubeni Corp, developed HyBont since signing a partnership with ‘Team Wales’—including Welsh Government, Cardiff Capital Region, and Bridgend Council—in 2022. Consultations began in March 2023, followed swiftly by HAR1 funding award from the UK Government.
However, challenges mounted. As reported by BBC News, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) raised safety concerns in October 2024, advising Bridgend Council against hazardous substance consent due to risks to the population from the proposed operations. This paused the project temporarily while developers addressed issues.
Financial pressures hit next. Bridgend County Borough Council announced withdrawal of its financial backing later in 2023, citing a “very challenging budget situation,” as per council FAQs. The council had to prioritise amid broader cuts, though it clarified the project could proceed without its funding as Marubeni pursued licences.
Despite hurdles, HyBont achieved hazardous substance consent in March 2025 and full planning permission in April 2025, as announced on the project site. Marubeni’s LinkedIn updates and Fuel Cells Works noted the sale to Hygen on January 15, 2026, framing it as a handover for advancement.
What Are the Next Steps After Acquisition?
Hygen’s immediate plan involves a detailed feasibility study to assess the site fully. This first phase will engage stakeholders, as emphasised by CEO Kevin Selleslags in comments to Global Hydrogen Review:
“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. We are looking forward to working alongside all stakeholders as the detailed feasibility study is undertaken.”
The project will supply hydrogen for transport and industry, bolstering Hygen’s HAR-supported portfolio. Charles Portwain, Hygen’s CFO, told Global Hydrogen Review:
“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.”
Who Welcomed the Hygen Acquisition?
Government Energy Minister Michael Shanks MP praised the transfer in a statement covered by Global Hydrogen Review:
“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.”
Hygen views HyBont as its entry into Wales and western UK hydrogen development. Local backing persists, with past council committees supporting planning in February 2025, subject to Welsh Government direction.
What Challenges Has HyBont Faced?
Safety issues surfaced prominently. Oggy Bloggy Ogwr reported Bridgend Council’s Planning Committee green-lighting the project in February 2025 after initial 2023 submission, but HSE’s 2024 intervention halted progress. The HSE letter warned of “high” risks to population from hazardous operations.
Budget woes forced council exit, as explained in official FAQs:
“Bridgend County Borough Council has had to make the very difficult decision to withdraw its financial [support]… due to a very challenging budget situation.”
Workshops continued, however, with Marubeni and Hyppo Hydrogen Solutions engaging 50 South Wales schools and 1,600 children from October 2023 to March 2025, earning praise like “fantastic”, “engaging”, “both informative and very practical” from teachers.
Additional efforts included a sold-out hydrogen bus shuttle to the Royal Welsh Show in June 2025 by Neath Port Talbot and school visits like Brynmenyn Primary in June 2025. A Green Hydrogen Challenge win led pupils to London in May 2025.
How Does HyBont Fit UK Hydrogen Goals?
HyBont aligns with UK DESNZ’s hydrogen push, as per July 2025 market update referenced on the project site. HAR1 funding underscores government commitment to electrolytic production. Mott MacDonald highlighted it as a scalable model for green hydrogen from solar and wind for transport and heat.
The sale to Hygen, dubbed “troubled” by H2 View, signals resilience, completing HAR1 signatures amid delays. It promises jobs and growth in Wales, per Minister Shanks.
What Is the Community Impact?
Beyond energy, HyBont fostered education. Marubeni and Hyppo ran workshops inspiring “the next generation of renewable energy leaders,” per April 2025 update. Teachers lauded sessions in February 2025. Summer 2025 saw hydrogen bus trials sell out rapidly, showing public demand.
Bridgend’s Development Control Committee backed it in February 2025. As Hygen advances, expectations rise for economic boosts in a region eyeing decarbonisation via hydrogen for buses, HGVs, and industry.
