Controversial hydrogen plant plans get green light

The hydrogen plant has ben earmarked on land at Brynmenyn Industrial Estate in Bridgend county

Controversial plans to build a new hydrogen energy facility have been given the go-ahead despite years of public and council concern.

Japanese firm Marubeni Europower wants to create a hydrogen storage and refuelling unit, as well as a solar energy scheme across two sites in Bryncethin and Brynmenyn, in Bridgend county.

In 2023 Bridgend council pulled out of financially backing the plans, but the firm continued its application, which was then halted in November 2024 following safety concerns.

The Welsh government paused the application, but has withdrawn its holding direction allowing the council to finally approve the plan.

The plans have faced significant opposition and public backlash from residents and councillors over the last few years due to the site's proximity to businesses and nearby housing.

An earlier version of the application was also withdrawn after the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) lodged an objection over how hydrogen would be stored and transported at the site.

Despite these concerns, and with a new application handed in, the project was later granted a hazardous substance consent at a special council planning committee that took place in February 2025.

At this meeting, which lasted about four hours and led to numerous heated exchanges between residents and officers, it was determined the final decision would be that of the Welsh government as it had put a holding direction in place.

Holding directions allow Welsh ministers to restrict the grant of planning permission by the local planning authority.

The planning committee heard earlier that this pause was withdrawn because the issues raised "are not of more than local importance", according to the Welsh government.

Following the meeting, councillor Mark John of St Bride's Minor and Ynysawdre ward added he was "mortified" by the Welsh government's decision to remove the holding direction after such a strong public sentiment against the plans.