Plans unveiled for hydrogen plant in UK

UK plans to develop up to 10GW of green hydrogen capacity by 2030. Image: Adobe Stock

The proposed site is the former Neptune Bank Power Station, and the plant aims to produce hydrogen for organisations looking to decarbonise their manufacturing and transport operations.

Lhyfe’s production facilities at the site are expected to have an initial capacity of 20MW, capable of producing up to 8 tonnes of green hydrogen per day. This would enable a hydrogen truck to travel approximately 100,000km without emitting any CO2.

The planning application for the site is expected to be submitted in the next few weeks and, if approved, the plant would occupy more than 1.6 hectares of leased industrial-zoned land along the north bank of the River Tyne.

The plan includes using green electricity from the grid, with Lhyfe exploring options to source power from local renewable assets, such as solar and wind.

Hydrogen as a green energy driver

Taia Kronborg, chief business officer at Lhyfe, said, “The development of green hydrogen projects is critical if major energy users are to decarbonise their operations. We hope this project will not only help the North East but the whole of the UK reach its net zero targets.

“At Lhyfe, we are demonstrating that green hydrogen is now a reality and a key driver of the clean energy transition. We have a strong ethos of working with partners and communities to create projects that deliver real local value, and this is a key focus in growing our operations in line with demand.”

Charles Shepherd, Managing Director at Shepherd Offshore, said, “We at Shepherd Offshore are excited to announce the partnership with Lhyfe on the hydrogen production facility in Wallsend. Shepherd Offshore is fully committed to yet another critical milestone in the growing strength and evolution of the River Tyne and looks forward to welcoming Lhyfe to the north bank of the Tyne.”

Lhyfe has already opened a hydrogen plant in Pays de la Loire, France, in 2021, and has additional sites under construction or in planning across France and other parts of Europe.