In its proposal, the collaborative partnership, Hydrogen East outlined plans for electrolyser facilities across Norfolk and Suffolk, which it claims would pave the way for development and improvements to infrastructure to be implemented.

The body said the region has ambitions to become the UK’s Clean Growth Region, with ScottishPower Renewables and Vattenfall having already received approval for projects in the offshore wind sector, as well as nuclear developments by EDF.

Last May (2021), Hydrogen East released a study highlighting the potential for hydrogen production in transforming the Bacton, UK terminal into an international clean energy hub.

Read more:  New report explores transforming Bacton into an international hydrogen hub

Nigel Cornwall, Director of Hydrogen East, said, “Hydrogen is such a versatile element and with the ability to be deployed across a variety of sectors, we should be looking to it as a powerful tool that can aid us in the transition to Net Zero.”

“It should be considered as a complement to electrification and increased roll-out of renewable generation. Already, a number of demonstrator projects are on-going around the country testing hydrogen for heat, power and transport in regions such as Aberdeen and Teesside.”

“Here in the east, we need to establish our hydrogen pathway in a way that aligns with its distinct characteristics, including pathways into nuclear power, offshore wind and major energy hubs like Bacton.”

It is hoped that if approved the proposed cluster could offer an opportunity to begin the ramp up of a hydrogen economy in the UK, in pursuit of the Government’s ambitious targets of 10GW of domestic low-carbon hydrogen production by 2030.

Andy Holyland, General Manager for Hydrogen East explained, “The East of England has always been a key contributor in delivering the nation’s energy requirements and the integration of hydrogen will only further bolster this position, providing energy flexibility and security.

“Supply and demand could be balanced and add real value. In addition, projects will be de-risked through the establishment of multi-stakeholder collaboration, engineering studies and demonstration projects. Cluster commitments and guidance would support further research, developing business models, raising investment and sourcing appropriate funding.

“Through the clean hydrogen cluster, the hydrogen economy could be scaled and grown over time to maximise potential and build bespoke energy networks.”

You can read the full vision here.