“The GreenH2Atlantic project, which is developing a green hydrogen production unit in Sines, received the status of PIN (Potential National Interest)”, reads the statement sent to Lusa.

That status is awarded by AICEP, “in recognition of the strategic importance that the project has for Portugal”, weighing in the decision factors such as strategic investment and attracting investors and international partners, job creation, boosting the local and national economy and the commitment to innovation and energy transition from renewable sources.

“For the attribution of this status, all the consulted entities were favourable: Portuguese Environment Agency, Directorate General for Energy and Geology, Institute for Nature Conservation, Turismo de Portugal and Sines City Council”, clarifies the same note.

The GreenH2Atlantic is promoted by EDP, Galp, ENGIE, Bondalti, Martifer, Vestas Wind Systems A/S and has the participation of McPhy and Efacec, ISQ, INESC-TEC, DLR and CEA and by the public-private combination of companies Axelera.

The objective is to adapt and reuse the infrastructure of the Sines coal-fired power plant, which ended its operation in January 2021, into a 'green' hydrogen production centre.

The project aims to create 1,147 direct jobs and 2,744 indirect ones along the entire hydrogen value chain, with an expected investment of more than 150 million euros, of which 30 million come from funds allocated by the European Commission (Horizon 2020 programme).