The installation of Greater Manchester’s first low carbon hydrogen hub is being planned, as part of its efforts to become the first net zero region in the world by 2040.
On 26 March, it was announced that the hub will be set up in Trafford Low Carbon Energy Park, which already includes several net zero industrial projects in support of government objectives, including one of Europe’s largest energy storage facilities based on liquid air storage. It aims to help integrate renewable energy on a regional scale through storage of solar and wind energy, with production and storage of hydrogen now set to follow.
Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), Trafford Council, Carlton Power, Cadent Gas and Electricity North West have pledged to work together, signing a Memorandum of Understanding to develop a solution for low carbon hydrogen production and storage. The hub could potentially be used by industry, for vehicle refuelling and residential heating.
MMU’s Fuel Cell Innovation Centre, a facility dedicated to developing renewable energy through research into hydrogen and fuel cell technology, will help to develop the skills and supply chains associated the project. It will also provide the research expertise required to maximise the new development’s potential.
