A hydrogen hub, centred on the Port of Felixstowe and Harwich International Port, has the potential to be one of the world’s most “exciting and innovative” nuclear, hydrogen, maritime and transport decarbonisation schemes, according to those behind it.
At its peak, the Freeport East Hydrogen hub would produce 1GW of hydrogen, 20% of the target set out in the Prime Minister’s 10-point plan for a Green Industrial Revolution. It will be delivered in partnership with Ryse-Hydrogen and EDF, creating a significant number of new jobs within the next 12 months – up to 13,500 – as well as generating investment of over £500mn and providing a £5.5bn economic boost over 10 years.
Other partners include South East and New Anglia LEPs, Suffolk and Essex county councils, Mid Suffolk Council, East Suffolk Council, Tendring District Council, Harwich Haven Authority and the Harwich Gateway Partnership. It also has the backing of a number of businesses, business organisations and education providers.
Jo Bamford, Executive Chairman of Ryse-Hydrogen, said the hub has the potential to rival some of the world’s biggest “green projects” and that delivery is achievable within 18 months due to the significant private organisations involved, along with the pace that they are able to begin investment.
Bamford added: “The Government wants to kick-start a green recovery and it is projects like this one which can deliver. In addition to hydrogen production and zero-emission transport at the ports, it contributes to the nuclear power programme, will use power from wind farms off the East Anglian coast, will drive innovation and promote green maritime – that’s six boxes ticked off the PM’s Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution.”
