The hydrogen hub project is part of the Freeport East bid, focusing on Hutchison Ports’ Port of Felixstowe and Harwich International Port. The hydrogen hub will be delivered in partnership with Ryse-Hydrogen and Sizewell C developers, EDF. 1GW of hydrogen equals 20% of the 5GW target in the Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution.
Clemence Cheng, managing director of Hutchison Ports Europe, said: “The development of the Hydrogen Hub will allow the Port of Felixstowe and Harwich International to lead in the development of alternative fuel port equipment. Establishing a test-bed to showcase hydrogen’s potential in a port environment will establish the UK as a clear leader in developments that will help address climate change and the net-zero agenda.
“With the largest road, rail and maritime freight hub in the country as part of our bid, we have the scale necessary to secure the early take-up of hydrogen power across the freight and maritime sectors.”
Multiple benefits
Speaking about the project, Jo Bamford, executive chairman of Ryse-Hydrogen, noted: “In addition to hydrogen production and zero-emission transport at the ports, it contributes to the nuclear power programme, will use power from wind farms off the East Anglian coast, will drive innovation and promote green maritime – that’s six boxes ticked of the PM’s Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution.”
In addition to Felixstowe and Harwich ports, Freeport East partners include South East and New Anglia LEPs, Suffolk and Essex county councils, Mid Suffolk Council, East Suffolk Council, Tendring District Council, Harwich Haven Authority and the Haven Gateway Partnership.