Simon Bird, Chair of Humber Freeport, has expressed his enthusiasm for Meld Energy’s £180 million hydrogen production project at Saltend.
The chosen site, situated within the former East Hull BP industrial plant and now a multi-user facility operated by PX Group, falls within the designated zone for development, with the investment potential unveiled earlier this month.
The announcement of Meld Energy’s plans coincided with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s trade mission to the US, where the British start-up received significant backing from a US Fortune 500 constituent. The company’s inclusion in a £14 billion UK investment package, pledged during the Prime Minister’s visit to Washington DC, showcased its strategic importance.
Simon Bird, also the regional director for ABP, the port operator and lead entity behind the successful freeport bid, is actively collaborating with local authorities and Westminster officials to advance the project. Having previously welcomed Chancellor Rishi Sunak to the Humber, Mr. Bird is leveraging his expertise to navigate the necessary administrative processes and secure the required approvals. The freeport designation offers various tax and financial incentives, augmenting the appeal of the investment opportunity.
“The recent announcement from Meld Energy highlights the strength of investment opportunities available in the Humber region,” stated Mr. Bird. “The region’s existing advantages are further enhanced by the numerous benefits offered by the Humber Freeport. This combination creates an incredibly compelling proposition for investors. We are delighted that Meld Energy has chosen the Humber as its preferred investment destination, contributing to the world-leading cluster of renewables and low-carbon energy businesses already established in the region.”
Led by former GE executive Chris Smith, Meld Energy secured a 50 percent equity backing from World Fuel Services Corporation, a global energy management company, through its subsidiary World Kinect Sustainability Ventures, in late 2022. The collaboration between Meld Energy and World Fuel Services focuses on developing hydrogen supply chains, underscoring the company’s commitment to advancing the hydrogen sector.
The hydrogen production plans at Saltend hold significant promise for the Humber region and the wider UK. Hydrogen, as a clean and versatile energy carrier, has the potential to play a crucial role in decarbonizing various sectors, including transportation, industry, and power generation. Meld Energy’s investment in hydrogen production aligns with the UK’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions and promoting sustainable economic growth.
Moreover, the project’s location within the Humber Freeport enhances its appeal, leveraging the region’s strategic position and existing infrastructure. The Humber already hosts a robust cluster of renewable energy and low-carbon businesses, establishing itself as a hub for clean energy innovation. Meld Energy’s investment adds momentum to this thriving ecosystem, attracting further interest, creating employment opportunities, and bolstering the region’s reputation as a global leader in the transition to a low-carbon economy.
