Renewables firm Protium has secured a location in North East England to build a 40 megawatt (MW) green hydrogen project.
Earmarked for Wilton Universal Group’s site in Teesside, adjacent to the River Tees, the scheme will “cement” the regions as the leading green hydrogen zone in the UK.
As part of plans, Protium aims to generate green jobs and economic opportunities for the local community and region.
Current porposals are for the site to include up to 40MW of electrolysis capability, developed in two phases, including hydrogen storage.
The building of a hydrogen production facility will provide Protium with the infrastructure necessary to generate renewable green hydrogen energy, with plans to supply local manufacturers once built.
The storage system is designed to support the largest PEM electrolyser in Teesside, thus enabling local manufacturing and logistics businesses to transition from natural gas and diesel energy sources.
Due for completion in 2026, subject to planning and engineering works, the project will create jobs during construction, as well as sustained employment during operation.
Further details about the initiative are expected towards the end of the year.
In March 2021, the UK government announced its £3 million investment to develop Tees Valley as the UK’s first ever hydrogen transport hub.
It is hoped the move could create up to 5,000 new jobs as part of the ‘build back greener’ campaign.
Moreover, as part of the March 2021 UK Spring Budget, Tees Valley was announced as one of the first and largest areas to gain freeport status.
As such, Protium believes there is immense value in securing strategic land parcels in the area and helping to create a ‘hub’ infrastructure project.
Chris Jackson, chief executive of Protium, said: “We are pleased to announce that Protium will be embarking upon building the largest green hydrogen facility in the North East at the Wilton Universal Group’s site in Teesside. The project will allow us to work with local businesses to decarbonise their operations, and the area’s deep industrial legacy provides the perfect infrastructure foundations for us to leverage.
“The growing hydrogen hub offers a faster route to market for the deployment of this clean energy source, so we’re very excited to be part of the transition to a greener economy and future in the heart of Tees Valley.”
Bill Scott, CEO of Wilton Universal Group, said: “In addition to expanding our own capacity, the acquisition of the Haverton Hill site will enable other companies like Protium to take advantage of Teesside’s exceptional skills and expertise in the energy sector and our location within the freeport, and to play a major part in this area’s contribution to the energy transition and a low carbon future.”
Ben Houchen, Tees Valley Mayor, said: “I am delighted that Protium will be developing a green hydrogen production facility in Teesside, contributing to making our region the leading production site of green hydrogen fuel in the UK.
“From carbon capture to offshore wind and hydrogen production Teesside is at the forefront of delivering the government ambitious target for the U.K. to be net zero by 2050. This is just the latest investment that is delivering the cleaner, greener and healthier future for local people right across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.”
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