Cheshire West & Chester Council has given its approval to EET Hydrogen’s plans for the development of a low-carbon hydrogen production plant in Cheshire. The facility, known as HPP1, will be located at the Stanlow Manufacturing Complex in Ellesmere Port. The project will consist of two plants, HPP1 and HPP2, and aims to facilitate the transition of local industrial and power generation businesses away from fossil fuels. The first plant, HPP1, will have a capacity of 350MW, while the second plant, HPP2, will have a capacity of 1,000MW. EET Hydrogen plans to increase the overall capacity to 4,000MW+ by 2030.
The hydrogen produced at the facility is expected to be used by the Essar refinery, as well as major manufacturers in the region such as Tata Chemicals, Encirc, and Pilkington. These companies will utilize the hydrogen to create low-carbon refining operations, glass manufacturing sites, and chemical manufacturing sites, contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions in their operations.
Construction for HPP1 is estimated to begin in 2024, with low-carbon hydrogen production scheduled for 2027. Richard Holden, HPP1 Project Manager at EET Hydrogen, emphasized the significance of this project in the development of low-carbon hydrogen solutions, stating that it is the largest low-carbon hydrogen project in the UK and one of the most advanced globally. The initiative supports the region’s goal of reaching Net Zero emissions by providing manufacturers with an opportunity to decarbonize their processes while creating employment opportunities.
The development of HPP1 and HPP2 is a crucial component of HyNet, the leading industrial decarbonization cluster in the UK. The plant will offer locally-produced hydrogen to various industries in the region, facilitating the transition to a low-carbon alternative fuel source. Furthermore, Eni, an energy company, has reached an agreement with the UK Government to transport and store carbon dioxide (CO2) at the HyNet North West industrial hydrogen and carbon capture storage (CCS) cluster. Eni will serve as the CO2 transport and storage operator of the HyNet consortium, which plans to store approximately 4.5 million tonnes of CO2 per year once operational in 2025.
In conclusion, the approval of EET Hydrogen’s plans to develop a hydrogen production facility in Cheshire represents a significant step towards achieving local decarbonization goals. The project will provide a sustainable solution to traditional energy sources, enabling industrial and power generation businesses in the region to transition to low-carbon practices. With the construction set to commence in the coming years, the development of this hydrogen hub will contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, supporting the UK’s commitment to a greener future.
