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The project – the largest green hydrogen scheme in the area – includes plans for up to 40MW of electrolysis capability, developed in two phases, and hydrogen storage. Energy stored in the sustainably-generated hydrogen will be used to power local manufacturers and logistics firms.
Protium did not announce the source of clean energy that will be used, but said further details would be available by the end of the year. The area has a growing specialism in hydrogen, including government plans to develop Tees Valley into a ‘hydrogen transport hub’, as well as new offshore wind turbine manufacturing facilities.
An announcement said the project will be completed by 2026, subject to planning and engineering works. The location of the proposed plant at Wilton Universal Group’s site, adjacent to the River Tees, is within the Tees Valley Freeport.
“The project will allow us to work with local businesses to decarbonise their operations, and the area’s deep industrial legacy provides the perfect infrastructure foundations for us to leverage,” said Chris Jackson, CEO of Protium. “The growing hydrogen hub offers a faster route to market for the deployment of this clean energy source.”
Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen said: “I am delighted that Protium will be developing a green hydrogen production facility in Teesside, contributing to making our region the leading production site of green hydrogen fuel in the UK.
“From carbon capture to offshore wind and hydrogen production, Teesside is at the forefront of delivering the government’s ambitious target for the UK to be net zero by 2050. This is just the latest investment that is delivering the cleaner, greener and healthier future for local people, right across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.”
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