UK’s Largest Low Carbon Hydrogen Project Gets Approval

Plans for the UK’s inaugural low carbon hydrogen production plant (HPP) have received approval from the Cheshire West & Chester Council.

The facility, set to be established at the Stanlow Manufacturing Complex in Ellesmere Port, marks a significant step in unlocking billions of pounds in related investments, shaping the future of low carbon refining operations and manufacturing in the region.

Operated by EET Hydrogen, the hydrogen hub aims to transform the Stanlow Manufacturing Complex into a nucleus for low carbon energy. With construction anticipated to commence this year, the facility is projected to start producing hydrogen fuel by 2027. The strategic location of the plant ensures its role in supplying nearby industrial giants, including Essar Oil Refinery, Tata Chemicals, Encirc, and Pilkington. These collaborations are poised to create the world’s first low carbon refining operations, glass, and chemicals manufacturing sites.

The hydrogen hub, comprising two plants (HPP1 and HPP2), will serve as a pivotal component in the UK’s hydrogen and industrial decarbonization strategy. HPP1, with a capacity of 350MW, is the initial phase, followed by HPP2 at 1,000MW. The long-term goal is an overall capacity exceeding 4,000MW by 2030, emphasizing the facility’s role in meeting national targets and fortifying the critical hydrogen infrastructure.

The development is integral to HyNet, the UK’s leading industrial decarbonization cluster, positioning the North West as a driving force in the nation’s journey toward net-zero carbon emissions.

The hydrogen hub is envisioned as a catalyst for change, helping local industrial and power generation businesses transition from fossil fuels to low carbon energy. This shift is anticipated to result in an annual reduction of 2.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions in the North West, a feat equivalent to removing 1.1 million cars from the roads. Beyond environmental benefits, the project is set to generate employment opportunities and attract substantial investments, contributing to the region’s economic growth.