Hidroelectrica, the largest electricity producer in Romania, controlled by the state through the relevant ministry, wants to build a green hydrogen production unit with a capacity of 50 MW and a photovoltaic park with energy storage batteries on the island of Ostrovu Mare on the Danube, located near the hydropower and navigation system Iron Gates II, writes Profit.ro.

The idea is still in its infancy, with Hidroelectrica surveying the market for the time being to find a consultant to prepare the feasibility study and other documentation needed to start the project.

Thus, the project consists of “producing green hydrogen from water hydrolysis, using a hydrolyzer with an installed capacity of 50 MW, using as resources the Danube water and renewable energy produced in the dedicated photovoltaic park,” reads a company document.

According to the quoted source, the feasibility study will also have to analyze whether it is possible to connect the dedicated/exclusive hydrogen production unit to the Portile de Fier II hydroelectric power plant, as a back-up variant to the photovoltaic park, as well as the optimal installed power of the solar power plant.

Hidroelectrica wants to start producing ultra high-purity green hydrogen at Ostrovu Mare in Mehedinți in 2026, aiming for a process efficiency of 75%, a hydrolyser operating regime with a minimum load of 10% and a production of at least 7,500 tons per year, at a sales rate of no more than 4 euro/kilogram.