Green H2 plans for England’s north-east

Supported by Shepherd Offshore, the proposed plant in Wallsend, North Tyneside, will have an initial capacity of 20 MW, capable of producing up to eight tonnes of green hydrogen per day.

“We are excited to announce North Tyneside as the site for our first UK green hydrogen production project,” said Taia Kronborg, chief business officer at Lhyfe.

“The development of green hydrogen projects is critical if major energy users are to decarbonise their operations. We hope this project will not only help the North East but the whole of the UK reach its net zero targets.”

The announcement comes 18 months after Lhyfe launched its UK subsidiary, headquartered in Newcastle. The company says it hopes to become a major supplier in the UK, boosting energy security and creating new economic opportunities.

It also has ambitions to develop offshore hydrogen production, tapping into the huge offshore wind potential the UK offers.

The proposed plant will occupy four acres of leased industrial-zoned land along the north bank of the River Tyne. This site was once part of the Neptune Bank Power Station, an early 20th-century pioneer in high-voltage power distribution and a model for the National Grid.

Lhyfe is receiving support from Shepherd Offshore, a company with more than 40 years of experience developing and operating facilities, and supporting manufacturing on the north bank of the River Tyne. The company has also extensively redeveloped Neptune and Swans Energy Park.

The planning application will be submitted to North Tyneside Council in the spring, with a programme of community engagement underway.