Lhyfe launches first UK hydrogen project

If plans are approved, Lhyfe’s facility on the brownfield site of the historic Neptune Bank Power Station in Wallsend, North Tyneside, would have an initial capacity of 20 MW, capable of producing up to 8 tpd of green hydrogen.

Named Lhyfe Wallsend, this plant aims to supply a range of organisations seeking to decarbonise their manufacturing and transport operations.

The announcement comes 18 months after Lhyfe launched its UK subsidiary, headquartered in Newcastle, to meet the increasing demand from companies aiming to reduce their reliance on natural gas and other fossil fuels.

In the UK, Lhyfe aims to become a major supplier to energy-intensive industries and transportation, boosting the country’s 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 4 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 Wallsend will use green electricity from the grid, complying with the UK Low Carbon Hydrogen Standard. The company is also exploring options to source power from local renewable assets, such as solar and wind.

Lhyfe’s proposed plant is receiving support from Shepherd Offshore, a company that has more than 40 years of experience as leading UK service providers, developing and operating facilities, and supporting manufacturing on the north bank of the River Tyne. Shepherd Offshore has also extensively redeveloped Neptune and Swans Energy Park. The company offers over 1700 metres of quay frontage and more than 200 acres of overall capacity on the north bank of the Tyne.

Lhyfe’s planning application will be submitted to North Tyneside Council in the spring, with a programme of community engagement underway. The project is subject to obtaining notably building permission and a Final Investment Decision (FID).

Taia Kronborg, Chief Business Officer at Lhyfe, said: “We are excited to announce North Tyneside as the site for our first UK green hydrogen production project. 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."

Charles Shepherd, Managing Director at Shepherd Offshore, said: “We at Shepherd Offshore are excited to announce the partnership with Lhyfe on the hydrogen production facility in Wallsend. Shepherd Offshore is fully committed to yet another critical milestone in the growing strength and evolution of the River Tyne and looks forward to welcoming Lhyfe to the north bank of the Tyne.”

Read the article online at: https://www.globalhydrogenreview.com/hydrogen/27022024/lhyfe-launches-first-uk-hydrogen-project/