The Port of Milford Haven is taking important steps towards decarbonisation, and Apollo’s HyPR study showed how local renewable energy and green hydrogen could support that ambition. By assessing practical options like rooftop solar and tidal energy, we helped lay the groundwork for a more sustainable future.
The problem
The Port of Milford Haven has embarked on an ambitious course towards a net-zero future and is seeking innovative solutions to reduce its carbon footprint.
The primary objective set by the Port was to develop a robust and sustainable energy system that could support its Pembroke Port operations and contribute to the decarbonisation of the maritime sector.
This included the need for reliable hydrogen production and refuelling infrastructure to fuel vessels and port operations, requiring innovative solutions to integrate renewable energy sources effectively.
The background
The Port of Milford Haven is the UK’s leading energy port and a strategic location for renewable energy development.
Its proximity to the Celtic Sea and established energy infrastructure make it a natural hub for clean energy growth.
It is surrounded by various energy-related industries and facilities, including oil refineries, LNG terminals, and one of Europe’s most efficient power station, all currently looking at options for decarbonisation.
The HyPR (Hydrogen Port Refuelling) project aimed to harness this strategic location to demonstrate hydrogen refuelling within the Port environment, supporting the Port of Milford Haven’s broader goals of decarbonisation.
The process
Apollo conducted a comprehensive energy study to assess the renewable energy potential at Pembroke Port and the surrounding Milford Haven Waterway.
The study involved evaluating potential sites for renewable power generation, including roof solar installations, fixed & floating solar, tidal and potential onshore wind generation.
The study highlighted the potential renewable power generation that the Port could power existing operations plus the option of onsite green hydrogen production.
The proposed hydrogen production plant at Pembroke Port was designed to be integrated into a microgrid under the Smart Local Energy System (SLES), ensuring energy security and avoiding grid blackouts.
The study also considered the feasibility of scaling up energy production, the economic assessment of various renewable technologies and highlighting the potential opportunities arising from local energy generation around the Haven.
The solution
Apollo’s design for the HyPR project included the installation of onsite rooftop solar panels, alongside a wind turbine.
The project also explored the potential for tidal devices and both floating and fixed offshore solar installations – although the bathymetry of the Milford Haven Waterway presented challenges.
Rooftop solar offered flexibility and made best use of available space, enabling the Port to optimise renewable energy generation. Integrating these technologies would deliver a resilient and sustainable energy system tailored to the port’s needs.
“Milford Haven is already a key player in supplying the UK with secure energy supplies and with further innovation we can continue to facilitate the secure transport of energy into and out of the UK as the energy mix evolves”.
Jack O’Shea, Energy and Decarbonisation Manager at the Port of Milford Haven
The outcome
The HyPR study at the Port of Milford Haven highlighted the potential for significant advancements in renewable energy generation and hydrogen production.
It demonstrated the technical and economic feasibility of integrating renewable energy sources into port operations – and the opportunity for hydrogen refuelling to support the decarbonisation of the maritime sector. While not yet implemented, the study laid essential groundwork for future development.
It identified scalable options for local energy generation and positioned the region to lead in expansion of clean fuels – with Milford Haven and the wider Celtic Sea region well placed to support the UK’s net zero ambitions.