Hygen has announced it has been granted planning permissions to develop a major low-carbon hydrogen production facility in the UK.
The state-of-the-art hydrogen production facility will be located in Bradford and will be one of the largest hubs for producing hydrogen nationwide.
Hygen is collaborating with N-Gen to deliver the hydrogen production facility, which promises to generate enough hydrogen fuel to significantly decarbonise transport and industry.
Jamie Burns, Director at Hygen, commented on the development: “The granting of planning permission is a significant step in the development of a facility which will provide enormous benefits to the people of Bradford and the surrounding area.
“Along with our partners, we have worked tirelessly to develop these plans, which will provide a blueprint for how complex projects like this can be delivered, boosting the hydrogen and green economies of the UK.”
Building the UK hydrogen economy
Hydrogen serves as a versatile fuel capable of substituting natural gas in heating and industrial operations, as well as replacing diesel in heavy-duty vehicles such as buses, trains, and trucks.
What’s more, hydrogen produces no carbon when burned, making it the ideal energy source as the UK strives to battle climate change.
The UK Government recognises this potential and has recently announced major funding to develop the UK’s hydrogen industry.
The government has now backed the Bradford hydrogen production facility, making it the biggest scheme to be awarded funding through the government’s Hydrogen Production Business Model.
Overview of the hydrogen production facility
Following planning approval from Bradford Council, the clean hydrogen hub will be situated on the old Birkshall gas storage site on Bowling Back Lane.
The production of hydrogen will occur via electrolysis, a process utilising renewable electricity to separate water into hydrogen and oxygen components.
Once operational, the hydrogen production facility will generate around 12.5 tonnes of hydrogen per day.
Hygen aims to produce enough hydrogen to replace 800 diesel-fuelled buses with hydrogen buses emitting zero emissions, operating on the roads of West Yorkshire daily.
Benefits to the local area
Businesses and other stakeholders in West Yorkshire will have access to on-site refuelling facilities, while distribution specialists Ryze will deliver hydrogen to industrial users throughout the region.
Gareth Mills, Managing Director at N-Gen, added: “We are extremely proud to be bringing a flagship hydrogen production facility and significant investment to Bradford.
“The site was once home to gas holders, which stored natural gas used by the residents and businesses in Bradford, so it is fitting that the site will continue its heritage and now be used for the production and storage of hydrogen, a cleaner fuel.
“We expect the facility to be a valuable addition to the Bradford economy, providing a viable way for local businesses to decarbonise, as well as attracting new companies and jobs to the area by placing the city at the forefront of the transition to clean energy.”
