UK’s largest green hydrogen plant given go-ahead in Bradford following UK Budget

Bradford is set to host the UK’s largest low-carbon hydrogen production facility, thanks to a funding boost announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves during Wednesday’s Budget speech.

The facility is the flagship project among 11 green hydrogen initiatives sharing in a £2billion government investment, aimed at driving both hydrogen production and demand across the UK.

A boost for Bradford’s economy and environment

The Bradford Low Carbon Hydrogen programme, which already has planning permission, is projected to inject £120million into the local economy and bring up to 125 new jobs to the area.

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council said: “I’m pleased to see the Chancellor announcing this significant investment in Bradford. 

“The Bradford Low Carbon Hydrogen programme will play an important role in helping Bradford deliver on its climate change ambitions as well as bringing investment and green jobs to Bradford.”

Hydrogen returns to Birksall Gas Works

Strategically located at Birksall Gas Works near the centre of Bradford, the new plant will occupy a site with almost a century-long history of gas production and storage.

Once home to Bradford’s iconic gas storage, the Birksall site will now fuel a greener future, with facilities for hydrogen production, storage, dispensing and refuelling.

When fully operational, it is expected to produce 12.5 tonnes of eco-friendly hydrogen energy per day, sufficient to power 800 buses and contributing to the decarbonisation of heavy transport sectors like HGVs and public transit across the Yorkshire region.

The production process will use electrolysis – utilising low-carbon electricity to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen.

This green hydrogen will then provide a clean fuel alternative, reducing emissions in local transport and industry alike.

A critical step for West Yorkshire’s climate goals

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin highlighted the significance of this project in the region’s journey toward sustainability, saying: “We’ve declared a climate emergency in West Yorkshire, and we’re committed to net zero by 2038, so I’m delighted that one of the UK’s biggest hydrogen production facilities is right here in Bradford.

“This new investment will play a vital role in helping us achieve our ambitions of a greener, more secure region, with higher-paid jobs and lower energy bills for future generations.”

Local solutions to reaching the UK’s Net Zero targets

This venture in Bradford represents the government’s broader vision for clean energy, creating regional economic benefits while helping the UK to meet its climate targets.

Gareth Mills, Managing Director at N-Gen Energy, and Jamie Burns, Director at HYGEN Energy, expressed their enthusiasm in a joint statement, saying: “We were thrilled to hear The Chancellor’s commitment to our Bradford project in this week’s Budget and look forward to working with the Government as we deliver this hugely important scheme.

“Our project, along with the other 10 receiving funding, will provide a boost to local economies and demonstrate the potential of hydrogen production at scale, as we look to move to locally produced, cleaner sources of energy and encourage more investment into the hydrogen industry.”

As Bradford gears up to lead the charge in green hydrogen, the city is setting a powerful example of how regional projects can accelerate the UK’s energy transition.

With hydrogen refuelling infrastructure and storage solutions set to emerge from this investment, Bradford is well on its way to becoming a beacon for clean, sustainable energy in the UK.