Freeport East sets out green hydrogen vision

Forecasting potential demand in excess of 500MW by 2030, equivalent to 10% of the UK’s current target for green hydrogen production, the report illustrates the significant role green hydrogen could play in the future Freeport East economy and the UK as a whole.

“It is clear that hydrogen has the potential to play an important part in delivering on decarbonisation and energy security, while offering unique investment and employment opportunities for our region,” said Steve Beel, chief executive at Freeport East. 

“The east of England is already a clean energy powerhouse of international significance, comprising a range of renewable generation, innovation and R&D facilities but also the deep skills and experience to match.”

Commercial scale-up

The report also sets out a range of possible near-term pilot applications that could help develop pathways towards the scaling up of commercially viable hydrogen use.

Development of the report was supported by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) as the sponsor department for the Freeports programme.

Freeport East is now looking to collaborate with interested parties in developing these pilots further as well as working with partners across the wider eastern region on green hydrogen development more generally.

The freeport is one of eight in England having received final government approvals in January 2023. 

Its founding members are Essex County Council, Suffolk County Council, Tendring District Council, Mid Suffolk District Council, East Suffolk District Council, The Port of Felixstowe, Gateway 14, Harwich International Port, New Anglia LEP and the University of Essex.