Proposals to transform the North West of England and North Wales into one of the world's first low carbon industrial clusters are being backed by a new cross-party coalition.
HyNet North West is behind the group which is hoping to secure backing from the 海角视频 Government for the scheme which would supply clean hydrogen and store carbon dioxide, helping businesses across the region cut greenhouse gas emissions, reduce costs, and launch green products.
Project leaders estimate HyNet would also catalyse job growth across the North West and North Wales, with the potential to deliver a £17bn economic impact locally, protecting more than 340,000 manufacturing jobs in the region, and helping to create 6,000 low carbon roles.
The area is one of several regional clusters nationwide bidding for 'track one' status from the Government that will allow it to start operating by 2025.
The submission for bids closed on Thursday, July 8, with the Department of Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy expected to take a decision in October.
Justin Madders, Labour MP for Ellesmere Port, and Andy Carter, Conservative MP for Warrington South, have joined HyNet North West as co-chairs of the cross-party coalition group that is urging the Government to select HyNet in the first phase of approvals and avoid delays that could hit businesses across the region.
Mr Madders said: "The HyNet project gives the North West and North Wales an unprecedented opportunity to be at the forefront of the low carbon transition, establishing the region as a leader in the development of the hydrogen economy and accelerating the 海角视频’s journey to net zero.
"I’m proud to be co-chairing this coalition to ensure the government delivers for this region."
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HyNet would aim to cut emissions quicker than other industry clusters across the country – reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 10 million tonnes every year by 2030, which is the equivalent of taking 4 million cars off the road.
The project would also be able to deliver 80% of the 海角视频’s clean hydrogen target for transport, industry and homes for 2030 and 50% of the hydrogen needed to meet the 海角视频’s 2050 net zero target.
Other companies that have backed the scheme include Progressive Energy, Cadent, Essar, INOVYN, Eni, University of Chester, CF Fertilisers and Hanson.
The consortium is also working with Pilkington NSG, Unilever, Intergen and Viridor to integrate them into HyNet’s plans. Hydrogen production technology is being supplied by 海角视频 company, Johnson Matthey. Track one status would help these businesses deliver their investment plans and avoid disruption.
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The bid has been submitted by HyNet partner, Eni.
Mr Carter added: "HyNet North West is essential for securing the future of our region, helping local businesses protect manufacturing jobs and build the region’s skills base in new low carbon industries.
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"This ground-breaking project will dramatically increase the supply of clean hydrogen in the 海角视频, helping the government reach its green industrial revolution targets."
David Parkin, director of HyNet North West, said: "This is an extremely exciting time for HyNet North West, as we kickstart our campaign to demonstrate how our project brings a significant jobs boost to the area, and would accelerate the 海角视频’s journey to net zero.
"Businesses in the North West and North Wales are ready to cut emissions and invest in green growth, but they need the government to grant HyNet track one status to keep their plans on track."