EDF Renewables UK and its hydrogen subsidiary Hynamics, has announced plans for a green hydrogen production centre on Teesside.

Tees Green Hydrogen will be a pioneering project, using the green electricity from nearby Teesside Offshore Wind Farm along with a new solar farm, which EDF Renewables UK intends to construct near Redcar, to power its hydrogen electrolyser. The project will supply local business customers with hydrogen to support decarbonisation efforts and a significant reduction in industrial pollution.

The initiative was announced at Teesworks with British Steel Lackenby and PD Ports.

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In October last year, British Steel unveiled its Low-Carbon Roadmap which sets out its plans to, among other solutions, develop the application of hydrogen in its operations.

Arrangements have already been made to supply PD Ports with hydrogen to decarbonise port operations and will further explore maritime decarbonisation more widely.

The development is the latest in a growing list of green initiatives proposed on Teesside. In its initial phase, the electrolyser will be 30-50MW in size, but is designed to be able to scale to over 500MW, in line with emerging demand.

Tristan Zipfel, Director of Strategy and Analysis at EDF Renewables UK, said: “Tees Green Hydrogen represents the latest instalment of our investment in Tees Valley, supporting its decarbonisation, reducing pollution and strengthening the local economy.

“Tees Green Hydrogen is a ground-breaking project, which will utilise locally produced green electricity to create the means to decarbonise local industry and safeguard its operation for many years to come, well beyond Net Zero 2050. In the current world climate the importance of locally produced renewable power cannot be underestimated.

“We are looking forward to working with the local supply chain in delivering this project and ultimately, in supporting Tees Valley in leading the way on green technology. We are proud to be part of accelerating the area to a net zero future.”

Christelle Rouillé, CEO of Hynamics, said: “We are dedicated to making low carbon and renewable hydrogen a decarbonisation driver of the entire economy, especially in the mobility and industrial sectors. We are very happy to support our partners in achieving their carbon neutrality objectives, in line with the climate change emergency.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, said: I am delighted EDF Renewables' has announced plans to bring this major energy project to Teesside creating even more high-skilled, well-paid jobs in the cleaner, healthier and safer industries of the future for local workers.

“Our region is already home to ground-breaking clean energy projects that have made Teesside ground zero for net zero, and these EDF projects will further cement our reputation as the go-to place if you want to develop the zero-carbon energy of the future.

"It’s fantastic that EDF Renewables will also be working closely with local companies, like British Steel, to help them reduce their emissions, adding to our growing reputation as a leader in net zero innovation, and helping our region play a vital role in the UK’s ambition to deliver 5GW of hydrogen production by 2030."

Jacob Young, Conservative MP for Redcar and Chair of the APPG for hydrogen, said: "This is a fantastic investment from EDF Renewables which highlights just how new green technology can help create and secure jobs in existing industries, as well as enabling the UK to decarbonise.

"Producing green hydrogen, using the power generated by off-shore wind, and then being able to offer that hydrogen to companies like British Steel is exactly the sort of investment we want here in Teesside.

"And given the current uncertainties in gas prices, it’s vital that we see more projects like this which demonstrate diversity in our energy sector and embrace the fuels of the future, like hydrogen.” 

“Frans Caljé, CEO of PD Ports, added: “PD Ports is delighted to be supporting this pioneering project alongside EDF Renewables and British Steel.

“As we operate within what is traditionally a ‘heavy industry’ sector, we recognise it’s of paramount importance that we do all that we can to implement the most sustainable methods across our operations so as to preserve our surrounding environment for generations to come.

“The Tees Green Hydrogen project is an exciting prospect for our region and will directly support our own internal ambitions to reach carbon neutrality across our Tees-based operations by 2027.”

Matt Stockwell, Manager of British Steel’s Teesside operations, said: “We welcome the news about the hydrogen plant project on Teesside and look forward to early collaboration with EDF Renewables. This development will allow us to explore innovative technology options that could support the implementation of our Low-Carbon Roadmap and our ambition to deliver net zero steel by 2050.”

Leader of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, Cllr Mary Lanigan, said: “This is an innovative, forward-looking project that will help ensure our area delivers on reducing pollution and protecting the environment while boosting investment and our economy at the same time. It’s an excellent scheme and I’d like to congratulate EDF and everyone involved.”

Detailed plans for Tees Green Hydrogen will be released later this year, with a consultation on the 49.9 MW Tees solar development taking place later this month..  The solar and hydrogen initiatives will add to EDF’s already considerable presence on Teesside, which includes its offshore wind farm at Redcar, operational since 2014 and nuclear power station in Hartlepool which has supplied low-carbon electricity for nearly 40 years.

Hydrogen production is widely considered to be an essential component in delivering the UK Government’s 30-year target to achieve net zero emissions. Its application is expected to support both industrial and domestic decarbonisation.

Green hydrogen is produced using only renewable energy.

 

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