Two major energy companies have joined forces to explore options to create a low-carbon hydrogen production hub in East Yorkshire.
Centrica and Equinor have signed a co-operation agreement to explore developing a hub at Easington, a move which would deliver a further boost to the region鈥檚 growing status as a hydrogen production leader. Under the plan, the Centrica-operated area at Easington could transition to a low carbon hydrogen production hub over the coming decade.
The move would support the Humber鈥檚 decarbonisation ambitions and help the 海角视频 meet its net zero goals and hydrogen production targets, while also creating new jobs and safeguarding existing roles at the historical gas terminal. Up to a third of the 海角视频鈥檚 total gas supply currently enters the 海角视频 via Easington, much of it from Equinor鈥檚 Norwegian facilities. Easington is also based close to some of the world鈥檚 largest offshore wind farm developments, offering huge potential for both blue and green hydrogen production.
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The area is also earmarked as one of the landing points for the East Coast Cluster鈥檚 carbon capture pipeline, which would transport carbon dioxide for safe storage deep under the seabed. The Government recently doubled its 2030 hydrogen production ambition to 10GW capacity, with at least half coming from electrolytic 鈥榞reen鈥 hydrogen.
Equinor has ambitions to deliver nearly a fifth of the target by generating 1.8GW of hydrogen production within the Humber region by 2028, starting with its flagship H2H Saltend project. Centrica and Equinor expect the conversion of the Easington Terminal to produce an additional 1GW of low carbon hydrogen production, as well as around 200MW off-taker demand.
Grete Tveit, senior vice president for low carbon solutions at Equinor, said: 鈥淭he Humber is in a unique position to lead the way on industrial decarbonisation, with Equinor鈥檚 Hydrogen to Humber (H2H) projects at the forefront of this transition. Partnering with Centrica to potentially develop a new hydrogen hub at one of the 海角视频鈥檚 most significant industrial sites could help to transform this region鈥檚 energy mix whilst preserving and creating jobs and skills.鈥
Chris O鈥橲hea, Centrica CEO, said: 鈥淲e are delighted to be working in partnership with Equinor to explore opportunities to deliver on our commitments to help the 海角视频 transition to net zero as hydrogen will play a key role in achieving this. This exciting project builds on the long-standing partnership between Centrica and Equinor and follows on from our recent agreement to secure additional gas for our 海角视频 customers. Like Equinor, Centrica are committed to investing in the Humber region, levelling up and de-carbonising industry to create a world leading, green energy driven, economic hub.鈥
Mike Whitehead, president of the Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce added: 鈥淚t鈥檚 fantastic to see these two major energy companies seeking to invest and explore ground-breaking projects in this region, demonstrating our long-standing reputation as the 海角视频鈥檚 Energy Estuary. Over the coming decades we will need the level of ambition shown by Centrica and Equinor to transition away from fossil fuels whilst creating jobs, boosting skills and attracting inward investment.鈥
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