ONE of the UK’s largest downstream energy companies is hoping to help oil the wheels of change – and harness hydrogen’s power.
Essar Oil UK is to install a new furnace, which can run on 100% hydrogen, in the crude distillation unit at its Stanlow Manufacturing Complex in Ellesmere Port.
In addition, the company has now submitted plans to build hydrogen production plants at the site.
The plants will form a central pillar of the landmark ‘HyNet North West’ initiative, a ground-breaking, low-carbon energy project that will position the North West of England and North Wales at the leading edge of the UK’s transition to net zero.
If approved, construction work is due to begin at Stanlow by the end of 2022, with hydrogen production set to commence by the mid-2020s.
In the following years, follow on capacity growth is planned to reach 80% of the Government’s new target of 5GW of low-carbon hydrogen for power, transport, industry and homes by 2030.
Natural gas pipelines will also be repurposed to transport over one million tonnes of CO2 to depleted gas reservoirs under the seabed where it will be permanently stored.
“Essar is committed to delivering on its transition to low-carbon operations,” said CEO Deepak Maheshwari.
“The planned evolution of our Stanlow Refinery is set to power the UK’s low-carbon revolution for years to come, creating jobs and helping local communities flourish.”
Hydrogen needs heroes
The hydrogen transition requires individuals, companies and governments with the know-how, belief, financial clout and desire to prove hydrogen’s case
Thanks to a growing number of companies, hydrogen-powered trains, buses, cars, planes are now becoming a reality. We’re here to champion and work with them.