Manchester-based Circular Refining and Products Company (CRAPCo) has unveiled ambitious plans to build multiple small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) on the Deeside Industrial Estate to produce what they call ‘ruby’ hydrogen. This innovative project uses nuclear energy to create hydrogen fuel with a significantly lower carbon footprint than traditional fossil fuels.
The Vision
CRAPCo is a “small but dedicated team” committed to clean energy solutions. Their goal is to establish the first-ever ruby hydrogen facility in the region, utilizing nuclear energy to produce hydrogen fuel. The company emphasizes the environmental benefits: “Ruby hydrogen, produced using clean nuclear energy, boasts a significantly lower carbon footprint than traditional fossil fuels.”
Project Phases and Technological Framework
The project will be developed in five stages, each progressively increasing the capacity for hydrogen production and electricity generation using nuclear power.
Phase One: Construction of a small 20 MWe nuclear reactor and an equivalent hydrogen production facility at Deeside Industrial Park.
Subsequent Phases: More 20 MWe reactors and matching hydrogen production units will be added, eventually leading to a 100 MWe nuclear park and a 100 MWe electrolyzer for large-scale ruby hydrogen production.
This phased approach ensures a scalable and manageable growth trajectory, allowing for integrating advanced reactor technology and efficient hydrogen production methods.
Achieving Net Zero Goals
CRAPCo’s initiative is seen as a viable path for the region to achieve its net zero emissions targets. By harnessing the clean energy potential of nuclear power, the project aims to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of hydrogen production, providing a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. On its website, CRAPCo states, “On Deeside Industrial Park, we are working towards a first-of-a-kind hydrogen production facility.”
Collaboration and Community Engagement
Beyond attracting investors, CRAPCo is seeking collaboration with local businesses in areas such as advanced reactor technology, hydrogen production, and the storage and distribution of hydrogen by road and rail. This collaborative approach integrates regional expertise and resources, ensuring the project’s success and fostering local economic growth.
Mark Shaw, founder and Managing Director of CRAPCo, is an earth sciences graduate focused on identifying and developing sustainable business opportunities. He highlighted the importance of local involvement and comprehensive updates as the project progresses. “The article with the Chamber of Commerce is part of our hydrogen off-taker marketing campaign. It validates the need for such a regional facility,” Shaw explained.
