AQW 11450/17-22

Mr Andrew Muir
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 02/12/2020
Answered On Date: 11/12/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy for an update on the Oxygen and Hydrogen Demonstrator Project.

Answer:

There are two hydrogen and oxygen demonstrations projects being taken forward by NI Water, and I am delighted to have been able to support one of these projects to help stimulate the development of a hydrogen economy.

A small scale trial of new electrolyser technology is currently underway at the Kinnegar waste water site for NI Water. This initial trial will be followed up by a much larger commercial scale electrolyser project in early 2021, which I have provided funding for.

This commercial scale electrolyser will not only produce green hydrogen, but also increase efficiency and capability of the adjacent waste water treatment process for NI Water.

Beyond this, the installation will provide key skills and experience to all involved to carry forward to future projects. It will also provide a hands on training opportunity to support the growth of advanced engineering apprenticeships and third-level education.