- The £250 million, 100 megawatt facility will meet 30% of Saltend Chemicals Park's hydrogen demand.
- The project will reduce CO2 emissions by 125,000 tonnes annually.
- Meld Energy submitted a bid for government funding in April, with results expected later this year.
- Saltend Chemicals Park hosts companies like BP, Vivergo Fuels, Yara, Mitsubishi Chemicals UK, Ineos, and Air Products.
Project Approval
Green hydrogen developer Meld Energy has received approval from the East Riding of Yorkshire Council to construct a £250 million, 100 megawatt green hydrogen production facility at Saltend in Hull. This project aims to position the Humber as a centre of excellence for hydrogen, aligning with the government’s goals for reducing emissions and increasing hydrogen utilisation.
Impact on Saltend Chemicals Park
The new facility will create the capacity to meet up to 30% of Saltend Chemicals Park’s existing hydrogen demand. This increase in green hydrogen production will lead to a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 125,000 tonnes annually, contributing significantly to sustainability efforts.
Hydrogen Production and Usage
Hydrogen can replace natural gas, serve as fuel for various transport modes, or be used in clean hydrogen-derived fuels. Produced through electrolysis, hydrogen does not emit carbon when burned, making it compatible with climate change legislation. It is crucial for the chemical industry’s transition to net zero, given the industry's significant gas usage.
Government Funding and Regional Impact
Meld Energy submitted a bid for funding from the government’s Hydrogen Production Business Model in April, with successful schemes expected to be announced later this year. The Humber region, being the UK’s largest industrial emitter of CO2, is an ideal location for hydrogen production. Cleaner fuels are essential for the region’s decarbonisation journey, providing economic benefits and job security.
Industry Collaboration
Saltend Chemicals Park is home to top-tier 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 collaboration between these companies and the new hydrogen facility underscores Saltend’s role in industrial decarbonisation and the UK energy transition.
