The Port of Klaipeda in Lithuania is set to become a frontrunner in the Baltic States’ transition to sustainable energy as Klaipeda State Seaport Authority signs a €10.5m ($11.3m) deal with MT Group to build the region’s first green hydrogen production and refuelling station.
Under the terms of the contract, EPC contractor MT Group will oversee the design, supply, installation and commissioning of the technological equipment necessary for the hydrogen station. According to the firm, construction is slated to commence in 2025.
“The Port of Klaipeda, as a strategic transportation hub, has great potential to become a flagship of green technologies in the Baltic region,” said Mindaugas Zakaras, CEO of MT Group. He praised the port’s commitment to sustainable energy, highlighting the project’s potential to serve as a model for future hydrogen initiatives across the region.
At the heart of the project is a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyser that will generate green hydrogen through electrolysis. The anticipated electricity demand for hydrogen production is set to reach up to three megawatts (MW).
Once operational, the station is expected to produce approximately 500 kg of hydrogen daily, translating to an annual output of 127 tonnes. This hydrogen will be stored in high-pressure tanks, with capabilities of 550 bar and very high pressure at 1,000 bar.
Port of Klaipeda ©MT Group
Algis Latakas, General Director of the Klaipeda State Seaport Authority, said, “Another environmentally friendly energy source is coming to Lithuania.”
He spoke on the significance of integrating green hydrogen into the country’s energy mix, which already includes solar and wind energy. “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,” he added.
The green hydrogen produced at the port will mainly serve local needs, enhancing port operations while also powering rail and road transport, including private vehicles. Looking ahead, there are plans to extend the use of this hydrogen to refuel commercial ships, reflecting a broader industry trend towards alternative fuels.
“In this project, we will employ cutting-edge technologies, which will not only ensure maximum station capacity but also meet the highest safety and quality standards,” Zakaras noted. He added that the hydrogen produced will have a purity of at least 99.99%, positioning it as a viable alternative fuel for various transport modes.
This initiative aligns with Lithuania’s 2021–2030 Energy Development Program, spearheaded by the Ministry of Energy. The program aims to advance innovative technologies, minimise fossil fuel dependency, and cultivate the growth of hydrogen technologies.
Green hydrogen efforts are rapidly expanding in the Baltic States, particularly in Estonia and Latvia. In Estonia, the government is exploring a pilot project for green hydrogen production using offshore wind farms, aiming to supply local industries and transportation sectors. The project is part of Estonia’s broader strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Latvia is also advancing its hydrogen ambitions, with plans to develop a hydrogen production facility in collaboration with local universities and businesses. According to a report by The Baltic Times, this initiative aims to harness renewable energy sources, particularly wind and solar, to generate hydrogen for various applications, including transport and heating.
