HELLENiQ Hydrogen: Realism Boosts Green Hydrogen Market – First Unit in Amyntaio Underway

Excessive expectations for green hydrogen development over the past years are now giving way to realism, according to HELLENiQ Hydrogen. Green hydrogen is a clean fuel produced through electrolysis using renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. Its aim is to help industries dependent on fossil fuels reduce emissions by replacing natural gas. Recently, Dimitris Triantafyllopoulos, Managing Advisor of HELLENiQ Hydrogen—a joint venture between DEH and HELLENiQ Energy—spoke at a conference in Thessaloniki. He explained that while hydrogen represents a promising new market, its development is challenging and requires time. ‘There were overly ambitious expectations in Europe that did not reflect reality. Now things have settled into a more realistic framework, and we see light at the end of the tunnel for our first commercial unit planned in Amyntaio,’ he commented. Currently, Greece awaits the regulatory framework that will initially define the licensing process for hydrogen production projects. In subsequent phases, the market operator and commercial aspects such as distribution will be determined. Hydrogen has a short shelf life after production, and Greece lacks infrastructure for long-distance transportation. Therefore, producers and consumers must be relatively close. This is why HELLENiQ Hydrogen’s first customer for its Amyntaio unit will be DEH’s cogeneration station in Kardia. The station is set to operate from October 2026, using an 80-20 natural gas-hydrogen blend. Mr. Triantafyllopoulos noted interest from other regional consumers looking to replace part of their needs with hydrogen. A significant advantage is that, unlike natural gas, hydrogen is domestically produced and unaffected by international fluctuations. This allows HELLENiQ to offer long-term contracts with stable fuel costs. Additionally, industries can offset mandatory CO2 emission expenses by using green hydrogen. Looking ahead, HELLENiQ Hydrogen anticipates producing competitive quantities by 2030. As consumer interest grows, the Amyntaio unit will expand from 50 MW to 200 MW. Mr. Triantafyllopoulos concluded, ‘The big project is coming, but the market must mature first.’