RWE Welcomes Vaughan Gething MS To Pembroke Site To Discuss Decarbonization Ambitions

Wales’ largest power producer and number one renewable energy generator - RWE, welcomed Minister for Economy, Vaughan Gething MS to the Pembroke site for a site tour and discussion on how the company is supporting Wales’ net zero ambition.

The company recently launched the ‘Pembroke Net Zero Centre’ (PNZC) as the hub for RWE’s decarbonization projects and development activities in the Celtic Sea.

‘Pembroke Net Zero Centre’ (PNZC)

PNZC is made up of three distinct pillars:

• Decarbonization of Pembroke Power Station via blending and combustion of clean hydrogen and carbon capture and storage, including feasibility studies on retrofitting the existing power plant;
• Green Hydrogen production, including Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) studies for an initial 100-200MW ‘pathfinder’ electrolyzer project to supply green hydrogen to local industry and transport, with GW-scale opportunities in the longer-term;
• Floating Offshore Wind development in the Celtic Sea: RWE is seeking to build Giga-Watt scale floating wind in the Celtic Sea and has signed MoUs with ABP Port Talbot and the Port of Milford Haven to support this initiative.

RWE explores Deployment of battery storage technology

RWE is also exploring large scale deployment of battery storage technology at the Pembroke site

To complement these decarbonization ambitions, RWE is also exploring large scale deployment of battery storage technology at the Pembroke site.

The Minister was taken on a tour of the site and shown the existing power station and the location of potential future infrastructure including hydrogen electrolyzer and battery storage. Skilled staff from the site was on hand to explain how the existing power plant, which generates enough power for 3.5m homes, operates.

Deployment of net zero technology at Pembroke site

The team also discussed with the Minister how the deployment of net zero technology at Pembroke Net Zero Centre will help unlock the route to Net Zero in South Wales and help support the future of existing industries, businesses and jobs.

This initiative, as part of the South Wales Industrial Cluster, will attract new industries and businesses, further developing the production and use of hydrogen for industrial usage, power generation and transport across the region.

Development of infrastructure to transport hydrogen and CO2

At the same time, in close collaboration with its partners, this initiative supports the development of infrastructure to transport hydrogen and carbon (CO2), e.g., by pipeline or by ship, necessary to decarbonize the UK’s 2nd largest industrial cluster.

The site is unique with all elements to become a hub for decarbonization"

Tom Glover said, “We are delighted that the Minister for Economy, Vaughan Gething had the opportunity to meet our team at Pembroke. The site is unique with all elements to become a hub for decarbonization, including floating offshore wind accessibility, land for the development of large-scale electrolyzers, electricity and gas grid connections and a gas-fired power station providing firm and flexible power.”

He adds, “RWE’s investment in decarbonization has the potential to see our company maintain its position as the green power leader in Wales.”

RWE – major firm in the growing renewable energy sector

Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething said: “The Welsh Government wants to see Wales become a global leader in new offshore renewable energy generation. It is not only great for our climate but has the potential to be a game-changer for our economy, bring quality, skilled jobs to our communities.”

He adds, “RWE is a leader in the growing renewable energy sector and it will have a crucial role to play in helping us meet our ambitious decarbonization aspirations. I was delighted to meet the team here at the Pembroke site and hear more about RWE’s plans to use green hydrogen to decarbonize its existing assets.”