Essar Energy Transition has announced the launch of EET Hydrogen Power, Europe’s first hydrogen-ready combined heat and power plant, set to be constructed at its Stanlow refinery with completion aimed for 2027. This significant investment aligns with EET Fuels’ goal to become the lowest carbon process refinery globally and EET Hydrogen’s ambition to become the leading low-carbon hydrogen producer in the UK. Additionally, it will supply low-carbon power to other industrial users in the region, supporting their decarbonisation efforts. EET Hydrogen Power will operate as an independent vertical under EET.
The development of EET Hydrogen Power will occur in two phases, ultimately achieving a capacity of 125 MW of power and 6,000 tonnes per day of steam. The hydrogen replacing hydrocarbons will result in a reduction of 740,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. This new plant will replace Stanlow’s existing boiler units, which currently generate around 50 MW of power for refinery operations. The plant is crucial to decarbonising operations at EET Fuels’ Stanlow refinery, which aims to reduce total emissions by 95 percent by 2030, positioning itself as the world’s lowest carbon refinery.
EET Hydrogen Power is a key infrastructure project supporting the decarbonisation plans of the wider HyNet industrial cluster and providing a blueprint for future industrial and power decarbonisation. The investment also underscores EET’s commitment to supporting and growing high-skilled employment in the North West.
The construction of Europe’s first hydrogen-ready power plant is a vital component of EET’s overall $3.0 billion energy transition initiatives in the North West of England.
EET encompasses several key divisions: EET Hydrogen Power, EET Fuels (owner of the Stanlow Refinery), EET Hydrogen (developing over 1.35 gigawatts of blue and green hydrogen capacity for the UK market with an ambition to reach 4 GW), and Stanlow Terminals Ltd (the UK’s largest independent bulk liquid storage terminal, developing infrastructure for biofuels and new energies).
Tony Fountain, managing partner of Essar Energy Transition, stated: “Launching EET Hydrogen Power shows the progress that Essar Energy Transition is making in delivering against its commitment to put the UK at the forefront of low-carbon energy. EET Hydrogen Power helps bring this commitment to life and demonstrates our intention to globally showcase the pathway to decarbonising vital high-emitting industries.”
Rob Wallace, chief executive officer of EET Hydrogen Power, added: “We have bold ambitions for Stanlow to become a low-carbon transition hub at the centre of the HyNet Industrial Cluster. EET Hydrogen Power will be Europe’s first 100 percent hydrogen-ready gas-turbine plant, supplied with EET Hydrogen’s low-carbon hydrogen. This project will create significant benefits by contributing to regional emissions reduction targets.”
For more information visit www.essar.com
