JV formed to build £1bn hydrogen production hub 

Essar and Progressive Energy have inked a joint venture with the intention of developing the scheme, a central part of the HyNet decarbonisation cluster. 

The joint venture, known as Vertex Hydrogen, will create a £1bn hydrogen production facility at Stanlow Manufacturing Complex. 

Vertex was formed to “provide the catalyst for the development of a hydrogen economy across North West England and North Wales”, according to Essar. 

The 2.8m sq ft facility, due to open in 2026, forms a key part of the HyNet North West decarbonisation cluster, an initiative aimed at reducing carbon emissions across the region by 10m tonnes a year from 2030. 

How the production hub will work 

Waste fuel gases from Essar Stanlow, and natural gas, will be converted by Vertex Hydrogen into hydrogen, with carbon dioxide stored under Liverpool Bay. 

The hydrogen production hub will provide low carbon energy to replace fossil fuels in industries across the HyNet region, as well as heating homes, and fuelling buses, trains and trucks.    

The hydrogen produced will, in the first instance, be utilised by Essar to reduce its carbon footprint at the Stanlow Manufacturing Complex. In addition, Vertex will provide low carbon hydrogen to a wide range of businesses, including companies from the chemicals, ceramics, paper, glass and flexible power generation sectors.

What they said about it 

Prashant Ruia, Essar chairman, said: “Essar is massively committed to investing in energy transition and is building a portfolio of companies in this space.

“Vertex Hydrogen is a central component of that vision, which will be instrumental in helping create a hydrogen future for North West England and North East Wales.  This will see over £1bn of investment, thereby creating jobs and supporting local communities for decades to come.” 

Chris Manson-Whitton, director at Progressive Energy, added: “As the founding developer of HyNet, we see the launch of Vertex Hydrogen as a key milestone. Vertex is central to unlocking the low carbon hydrogen economy, reducing emissions, creating a cleaner world for future generations whilst creating and safeguarding jobs.” 

Your Comments

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Am I missing something here but, if blending gases to produce Hydrogen creates Co2 that needs to buried under Liverpool Bay, what have we achieved ?

By Ned Ludd

We’ve acheived hydrogen power in place of carbon-releasing sources of energy

By Simples

@Ned CO2 gets put into the ground, where we extracted it, rather than the atmosphere. As long Liverpool Bay doesn’t dry out then its a fair solution!

By Anonymous

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