Powerhouse Energy Group PLC (AIM:PHE, FRA:BT81) has submitted a full planning application for a proposed 40 tonnes per day waste-to-hydrogen facility at Silverwood Business Park in Ballymena, Northern Ireland.
The company, in a statement, told investors that extensive design and engineering work has been completed to enable the submission, and renderings of the proposed facility are included in the planning application.
It added that the next stage, after responses from the first round of planning consultations, will be preparation of the permit application to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, and it will provide a further announcement at that time.
The application was made to the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.
Earlier this week, Powerhouse announced it had signed a lease agreement for a 2-acre site at Silverwood Business Park. The company said the 25-year lease includes a rent-free period of up to 12 months and a tenant break clause after five years.
The proposed facility will convert 40 tonnes per day of waste destined for landfill into 99.999% pure hydrogen for end uses such as transport. Discussions are ongoing regarding feedstock supply and offtake arrangements.
Chief executive Paul Emmitt described it as "a major step forward".
"Ballymena is set to become the hydrogen hub of Northern Ireland, with the organisations including Wrightbus, Translink and the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council all focused on developing the hydrogen economy in Northern Ireland," Emmitt said on Monday.