An international consortium has committed to investigating a groundbreaking clean energy project on the Humber, potentially featuring a 'floating power barge' and a compact nuclear reactor.
Chiltern Vital Group (CVG), proprietors of the Berkeley Science and Technology Park and collaborators in the Yorkshire Energy Park Freeport, alongside their global maritime and energy investment partners, Freepan Holdings Corp., have inked an agreement to assess the viability of situating a 'floating power barge' on the Humber Estuary near Saltend for electricity generation from liquid natural gas. Should the project proceed, it is anticipated that power generation could commence by 2028.
This preliminary, non-legally binding agreement also encompasses a more long-term vision for Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology. SMRs represent an emerging category of smaller nuclear reactors that are less costly than conventional, larger nuclear power plants.
The º£½ÇÊÓƵ Government is optimistic about the role of nuclear energy, with Energy Secretary Ed Miliband recently declaring: "We are ending the no-nuclear status quo," and proclaiming that we are "entering a golden age of nuclear."
Last month, the Government finalised a £2.5bn agreement with Rolls Royce to develop and build the country's inaugural SMRs, reports .
Karl Turner, MP for Hull East, stated: "The Humber has always been a national asset - and with the right investment, it can now become a cornerstone of Britain's clean energy future. This initiative brings together international expertise, local delivery, and a long-term vision that aligns closely with the º£½ÇÊÓƵ's Industrial and Infrastructure Strategies."
He added: "It represents the kind of bold, regionally anchored project that creates skilled jobs, strengthens resilience, and drives growth where it's most needed. I'm pleased to support this effort and will continue to work with colleagues in government and industry to ensure the Humber's full potential is realised."
Chris Turner, CEO of CVG and Chairman of the Yorkshire Energy Park, said: "Working with º£½ÇÊÓƵ and international financial and technology partners offers a unique opportunity for the Humber to benefit from large-scale, long-term energy investment that will support new advanced manufacturing industries and skilled job creation on the Humber."
Panagiotis Natsiopoulos, Chartered Fellow, Chairman and CEO of Freepan Holdings Corp., said: "The º£½ÇÊÓƵ's need for dependable, clean, and fast-track energy solutions is now a matter of national competitiveness. The Humber stands out as one of the few regions with the infrastructure, ambition, and alignment to deliver at scale.
"Through this partnership, Freepan Holdings Corp., a transition clean energy developer in the full value chain of LNG, Hydrogen, White/Green Ammonia, brings international capital, technical expertise, and a deep commitment to accelerating Britain's energy transition. Our immediate focus is delivering floating decarbonised power capacity by 2028."
