EET Hydrogen is in the final stages of negotiations with the UK Government’s Department of Energy Security and Net Zero for its groundbreaking 350MW hydrogen plant.
The HPP1 low-carbon hydrogen plant, set to be located in Ellesmere, UK, aims to commence construction later this year, marking a pivotal development in the country’s journey towards a sustainable energy future.
The HPP1 initiative is designed to have an initial production capacity of 350MW, capturing an impressive 600,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. The facility’s strategic location in Ellesmere positions it as a crucial contributor not only to the UK hydrogen industry but also to the HyNet Cluster. EET Hydrogen’s overarching goal of achieving 4GW of low-carbon hydrogen by 2030 aligns with the project’s objectives, emphasizing the commitment to scaling hydrogen capacity and decarbonizing heavy industries.
Lord Callanan, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, highlighted the pivotal role of hydrogen in the UK’s transition to net-zero emissions. With the UK already having achieved a 50% reduction in emissions from 1990 levels, the Ellesmere project underscores the government’s commitment to furthering its ambitions. The move towards final negotiations with EET Hydrogen signifies progress towards the target of up to 10GW of low-carbon hydrogen production capacity, expected to generate around 12,000 jobs by 2030.
The positive outcome of the negotiations is anticipated to benefit both the UK and EET Hydrogen. Tony Fountain, Managing Partner of EET, emphasized the importance of scaling hydrogen capacity in the decarbonization of heavy industries. The partnership with the government is poised to safeguard skilled jobs in the region, enhance industrial competitiveness, and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
The recent approval of plans for the production facility by Cheshire West & Chester Council has provided a green light for the HPP1 initiative. This marks a crucial milestone in regulatory approval, reflecting local support for the project and its potential to bring economic and environmental benefits to the region.
