Plug Power delivers first electrolyzer for Galp’s Sines refinery, launching Europe’s largest PEM hydrogen project, driving refinery decarbonization and green energy growth.
Plug Power Inc., a leading global provider of hydrogen-based energy solutions, has announced the successful delivery of its first 10-megawatt (MW) GenEco™ electrolyzer array to Galp (OTCMKTS: GLPEY), Portugal’s top integrated energy company. The system has been delivered to Galp’s Sines Refinery, which is currently hosting Europe’s largest proton exchange membrane (PEM) hydrogen electrolyzer project.
This installation marks the beginning of a major renewable hydrogen initiative. The array is the first of ten such electrolyzer modules, each equipped with Hydrogen Processing Units (HPUs), to be installed at the refinery. By early 2026, the project is expected to reach its full design capacity of 100 MW. Once operational, it will generate as much as 15,000 tons of green hydrogen annually. This clean hydrogen will replace roughly 20% of the grey hydrogen presently used at the refinery, resulting in a reduction of about 110,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions each year (Scope 1 and 2).
Andy Marsh, CEO of Plug Power, emphasized the importance of this milestone, stating that the collaboration with Galp demonstrates that large-scale green hydrogen is not just a vision for the future but a practical reality today. He added that the system will serve as a model for how hydrogen can transform the refining industry and the wider energy sector in Europe.
Ronald Doesburg, Executive Vice President at Galp responsible for its Industrial business unit, highlighted the significance of the development. He noted that nearly half of current grey hydrogen demand globally is concentrated in refineries and chemical plants. By installing the first 100 MW electrolyzer unit, Galp has taken a decisive first step toward decarbonizing its Sines facility, which will act as a benchmark for the industry at large.
Galp initially approved the €650 million investment for this hydrogen electrolyzer and an HVO/SAF production unit in September 2023. Construction work began quickly after the final investment decision, reflecting Galp’s determination to accelerate the energy transition with real, on-the-ground progress.
The GenEco electrolyzer array is supported by Plug Power’s global supply chain, drawing on components from both Europe and the United States. This distributed manufacturing model ensures scalability and flexibility, making it possible to meet growing international demand for clean hydrogen based on PEM technology.
Plug has further strengthened its position in the oil and gas industry through the acquisition of Frames Group, a company with more than 35 years of expertise in process systems, gas treatment, and energy infrastructure. This project underlines how hydrogen can be integrated effectively into refinery operations, helping producers reduce emissions while staying competitive as the global market for low-carbon fuels expands.
Europe continues to be a priority market for Plug Power. The company is advancing multiple large-scale electrolyzer deployments in Spain, the United Kingdom, and other regions. With a global pipeline valued at $2 billion, Plug is positioning itself at the forefront of the hydrogen economy. In the second quarter of 2025, worldwide electrolyzer demand — including over 230 MW of GenEco projects across Europe, North America, and Australia — contributed $45 million to Plug’s revenue. Several large-scale projects are expected to reach final investment decisions by 2026, which will further reinforce Plug Power’s role as a global leader in delivering modular, high-performance hydrogen systems.
