EnergyPathways targets Barrow energy hub

The collaboration agreement will see the two companies assess the feasibility of developing onshore infrastructure at the Cumbria port to support the large-scale integrated energy storage scheme in the East Irish Sea. MESH, which has been designated a project of ‘national significance’ by the UK government, is expected to become Britain’s largest integrated energy storage project.

Ralph Windeatt, business development director at ABP said the port operator had a strong track record supporting critical energy projects. “The Port of Barrow, specifically, has played a key role in the development and operation of the offshore wind industry in the Irish Sea,” he said.

“The MESH Project is an opportunity to further strengthen the port’s long-term future, and support the delivery of Barrow’s masterplan and contribute to the UK’s energy transition.”

Fuel storage

The proposed development combines compressed air energy storage with natural gas and hydrogen storage using subsea salt caverns. Subject to planning approvals and financing, the project is targeted to begin operations in 2031.

Under the agreement, EnergyPathways and ABP will examine the potential construction of operations bases for compressed air, gas and hydrogen storage, alongside offshore connection infrastructure, hydrogen and graphite production facilities, and sustainable industrial export facilities.

EnergyPathways said MESH would help reduce Britain’s reliance on imported gas and support the wider transition to lower-carbon energy systems by harnessing surplus wind power currently wasted during periods of excess generation.

“ABP’s Port of Barrow provides access to our offshore storage development areas in the East Irish Sea alongside strategically located land, port facilities and export infrastructure that could be well suited to supporting MESH’s onshore facilities and production units,” said Ben Clube, chief executive of EnergyPathways.