Following a deal announced today (10th August) between energy infrastructure company Carlton Power and local stakeholders, a 35MW (megawatt) commercial hydrogen hub will be established in Barrow-in-Furness.
In addition to supporting the UK’s drive towards Net Zero, the hub will support the growth of renewable electricity generation by harnessing it to both produce and store hydrogen at times when renewable output is high, but demand is low.
Due to begin operation by 2025, the hub’s development could be kickstarted by a multi-million-pound programme run by the UK Government called the Hydrogen Investment Package (HIP).
Commenting on the deal, Eric Adams, Hydrogen Projects Director at Carlton Power, said, “We’re delighted to be working with key regional partners to bring forward this green hydrogen facility, which will help Cumbria’s decarbonisation efforts. It supports the Clean Energy Strategy for Cumbria.”
“It is critical that projects such as this are brought forward to support investment by local companies in their infrastructure that will enable a reduction in the carbon emissions associated with their operations.”
With the green hydrogen produced expected to be used for industrial process, the consortium intends for the clean fuel to be used for vehicle refuelling and residential heating.
The stakeholders for the project include the Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership and Barrow Borough Council – which will focus on the economic and environmental benefits of the scheme – and Electricity North West, which will provide ‘valuable insight’ into the existing power networks in the area.
Pipeline manager Cadent has also joined the partnership and will help accelerate the switch from carrying methane to low-carbon hydrogen through its pipes.