Largest green hydrogen plant in UK worth £250 million given go-ahead to build in Hull
Meld Energy, a pioneering green hydrogen developer, has secured approval from the East Riding of Yorkshire Council to construct the UK’s largest green hydrogen production facility in Hull.
Valued at £250 million, this groundbreaking project will significantly enhance the Humber region’s status as a hub for sustainable energy and industrial decarbonisation.
The new facility, to be built at Saltend Chemicals Park, will boast a 100-megawatt capacity, providing up to 30% of the park’s current hydrogen demand.
This increase in green hydrogen production is projected to slash carbon dioxide emissions by 125,000 tonnes annually, making a substantial contribution to the UK’s carbon reduction targets.
Strategic location and industrial impact
Saltend Chemicals Park is home to leading chemical businesses such as BP Petrochemicals Technology, Vivergo Fuels, Yara, Mitsubishi Chemicals UK, Ineos and Air Products, as well as the Triton Power station.
The location is ideal for hydrogen production due to the high industrial activity and significant existing hydrogen demand.
Hydrogen is a versatile energy source that can replace natural gas and fuel various modes of transport, including buses, heavy goods vehicles and cars.
When burned, hydrogen does not produce carbon, aligning perfectly with legislation aimed at tackling climate change.
Meld Energy’s hydrogen will be produced through electrolysis, a process using electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, making it a crucial component in the chemical industry’s transition to net zero.
Economic and environmental benefits
The Humber region, the UK’s industrial heartland, is the largest industrial emitter of CO2 in the country, accounting for over 5% of the UK’s overall emissions.
The new hydrogen facility will play a vital role in the region’s journey towards decarbonisation, providing cleaner fuels, boosting the local economy, securing jobs and attracting investment.
Geoff Holmes, CEO of px Group, which operates Saltend Chemicals Park, expressed his enthusiasm, saying: “It is hugely positive that Meld has received planning permission for its Green Hydrogen Production Facility here at Saltend Chemicals Park.
“We look forward to collaborating with them further throughout the development and build phase.
“Major investments like this show that Saltend is the go-to location for industrial decarbonisation and the UK energy transition.”
Government support and future prospects
In April, Meld Energy submitted a bid to access funding from the government’s Hydrogen Production Business Model.
Successful schemes will be announced later this year, with the government aiming to support up to 875 megawatts of hydrogen production.
Chris Smith, CEO of Meld Energy, highlighted the significance of the project, saying: “Meld Energy’s ambitious plans for the Humber are poised to accelerate decarbonisation efforts in the region.
“This outline planning approval is an important milestone for the development of our project, which is the first of several that we will be bringing forward in the Humber and across the UK.
“Our Saltend Chemicals Park project will enable decarbonisation for our customers on the park and sets the baseline for accelerating and reducing the cost of the energy transition.
“We couldn’t be more excited with this news and look forward to sharing more in the coming weeks.”
The approval of Meld Energy’s £250 million green hydrogen facility marks a significant milestone in the UK’s journey towards a sustainable and carbon-neutral future.
By leveraging the Humber region’s industrial prowess and strategic location, this project promises to revolutionise the energy landscape, bringing both environmental and economic benefits.