Dubbed the Humber Hub Blue project, the capacity for this facility could be up to 720MW and will utilise gas reformation technology with carbon capture and storage (CCS).

The project has additionally passed the eligibility criteria for Phase-2 of the government’s cluster sequencing process. This allows the project to be eligible for government funding from May 2022.

Blue hydrogen production at Killingholme could see the capture of around 1.6 million metric tonnes (Mt) of carbon a year through CCS. The UK Government has set a target to capture 10Mt of carbon a year by 2030.

Axel Wietfeld, CEO of Uniper Hydrogen, said, “The Humber Hub Blue hydrogen project is a key part of Uniper’s hydrogen ambitions in the UK and we’re extremely pleased that Shell is joining us on this initiative.”

Mike Lockett, UK Country Chairman and Chief Commercial Officer Power at Uniper, said, “The development of a hydrogen production hub at Killingholme represents a significant step towards decarbonising the UK’s largest industrial cluster. Future proofing the industry, this investment has the potential to secure and grow the region’s economy.

David Bunch, Country Chair at Shell UK, said, “Shell is ready to play our part in ensuring an orderly transition to net zero while bolstering the UK’s energy security.

“We plan to invest up to £25bn in the UK energy system over the next decade subject to Board approval, and more than 75% of this is for low- and zero-carbon technology. Hydrogen and CCS will be key to these plans.

“They can also help stimulate economic growth and jobs. That is why it is critical that both government and industry continue to work together to drive change.”

Greg Hands, British Minister of State for Business, Energy and Clean Growth, said, “We’ve set ambitious targets for hydrogen production in our British Energy Security Strategy and are investing £360 million in innovative energy technologies to get us there.

“Today’s announcement shows real confidence in hydrogen – creating high-quality jobs to level up the Humberside region, based on this clean, cutting-edge new super fuel.”

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