Belgium, Unknown – January 16, 2026 — MORTSEL, Belgium — A groundbreaking facility near Antwerp is transforming green hydrogen production, with the GIGA-SCALES factory poised to equip 20 gigawatts of electrolysers annually and drive down costs by 30 per cent as it reaches full capacity in 2026. Operated by Agfa, the plant specialises in ZIRFON membranes, essential separators in alkaline electrolysers that split water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable electricity. This development positions Belgium at the forefront of clean energy manufacturing, bolstering industrial decarbonisation across steel, chemicals, heavy transport and energy storage sectors.
The factory, inaugurated on 29 September 2025 during European Hydrogen Week, represents a leap from pilot-scale operations to industrial volumes. Its modular design allows for swift expansion to match rising demand, ensuring Europe builds resilient supply chains for net-zero goals. Supported by an €11 million grant from the EU Innovation Fund, the project accelerates the shift toward affordable renewable hydrogen, vital for processes where direct electrification proves challenging. Over its first decade, the facility is projected to prevent 6.13 million tonnes of CO₂-equivalent emissions, fostering a cleaner industrial landscape.
Marc Van Damme, vice president of Green Hydrogen Solutions at Agfa, highlighted the facility’s role in enhancing efficiency. “These advanced ZIRFON membranes improve stack performance, requiring less electricity to generate hydrogen and making green fuel more competitive,” he stated during the opening ceremony. The technology’s robustness and safety features have already earned acclaim, enabling reliable operation at scale. By early 2026, production lines will ramp up, aligning with the port of Antwerp-Bruges’s expansion to handle incoming green hydrogen molecules, creating synergies for local distribution.
This initiative dovetails with broader Belgian efforts to advance hydrogen infrastructure. Complementary projects, such as LIFE NEW HYTS, demonstrate practical applications by powering trucks and heavy machinery with a 2.5-megawatt electrolyser, gathering vital performance data to refine regional supply models. Replication plans extend these successes from Utrecht to Bruges, promoting cleaner transport nationwide. Meanwhile, the HYDRA project, led by Belgian coordinators, employs sophisticated climate modelling and leak-detection tools to ensure sustainable deployment, equipping policymakers with data for long-term climate gains.
Local leaders have praised the factory’s contributions to economic vitality. Prime Minister Bart De Wever, speaking at the inauguration, emphasised its importance for job creation and innovation. “This investment secures Europe’s edge in sustainable technologies, drawing skilled workers and spurring growth in Flanders,” he noted. EU Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra echoed the sentiment, underscoring how such facilities strengthen energy independence and competitiveness. The site in Mortsel, just outside Antwerp, now employs specialists in membrane engineering, with plans to scale the workforce as modules activate throughout 2026.
The cost reductions stem from optimised manufacturing processes that minimise material waste and boost output per unit. Analysts project that widespread adoption of these membranes will make green hydrogen viable for heavy industry sooner than anticipated, potentially halving production expenses over time through economies of scale. For Antwerp’s bustling port, a hydrogen hub in the making, this means reliable access to domestic green fuel, reducing reliance on imports and supporting maritime and logistics decarbonisation.
Community engagement has been integral, with Agfa collaborating with regional clusters like Catalisti to integrate the facility into Flanders’ bio-economy network. Training programmes for local technicians ensure knowledge transfer, empowering the next generation of clean-tech experts. Residents near Mortsel report enthusiasm for the project’s environmental focus, viewing it as a model for harmonious industrial progress.
Looking ahead, the GIGA-SCALES factory sets a benchmark for modular clean manufacturing. As electrolyser demand surges—driven by EU strategies like Horizon Europe and the Connecting Europe Facility—Agfa’s output will fuel installations across the continent. By mid-2026, full operations promise to deliver membranes for gigawatt-scale projects, accelerating the transition to a hydrogen-powered economy. This Antwerp milestone not only slashes green fuel costs but also inspires similar advancements, paving the way for widespread adoption and a brighter, low-carbon future.
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