HyNet powers up with hydrogen plant approval

In a massive step forward for the low-carbon energy scheme, Cheshire West and Chester Council has greenlit plans for two facilities capable of producing a fossil fuel alternative in Ellesmere Port.

HyNet North West is focused on supporting the UK’s decarbonisation efforts by increasing the nation’s ability to produce, use, and store hydrogen. The application approved on Tuesday is a key part of that strategy.

EET Hydrogen, part of Essar Oil, is to deliver the hydrogen production plants on 72 acres on the south-east end of Stanlow Manufacturing Complex. The fuel created by the plants will go on to power not just the Essar refinery, but also the activity of neighbouring industrial schemes for Tata Chemicals, Encirc, and Pilkington.

When complete, EET estimates the plants will generate enough energy to power the city of Liverpool. It also argues that the plants would reduce carbon emissions by 2.5m tonnes each year – the equivalent of taking more than one million cars off the road.

EET will deliver the scheme in phases, with construction on the first plant set to begin later this year and the first hydrogen being produced on site in 2027. While the first plant has full planning permission, the second only has outline approval.

The scheme will have an operational lifespan of 25 years, according to a CWAC council officer report.

Plans for the plants were submitted in 2021. At the time, the project was valued at £750m.

Progressive Energy is the lead partner in the EET Hydrogen scheme. Progressive Energy’s HyNet project director, David Parkin, described the project as “the UK’s first large-scale, low-caron hydrogen production facility,” adding that it places “the North West region at the forefront of the UK’s journey towards net zero carbon emissions”.

Richard Holden, the project manager for the first phase of the project at EET Hydrogen, added: “It is a vital piece of the North West’s journey to net zero, underpinning HyNet and providing the opportunity for manufacturers in the region to decarbonise their processes and support UK jobs.

“We have worked closely with regional stakeholders and are delighted to obtain this important approval for the project as we move from ambition to action.”