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Lhyfe, a global leader in green and renewable hydrogen technology, has revealed its plans for establishing its inaugural UK plant, in alignment with the nation’s net zero objectives. This project, slated for the North East of England, has garnered support from Shepherd Offshore, a prominent maritime and energy service provider, following the finalization of a land agreement.
Pending approval, Lhyfe’s facility at the historic Neptune Bank Power Station site in Wallsend, North Tyneside, is set to have an initial capacity of 20 megawatts, capable of generating up to eight tonnes of green hydrogen daily. This quantity of hydrogen could power a hydrogen truck for approximately 100,000 km without emitting CO2, or enable a car to circumnavigate the Earth 20 times or travel around 800,000 km. Dubbed Lhyfe Wallsend, the plant aims to cater to diverse organizations seeking to decarbonize their manufacturing and transport operations.
Lhyfe, listed on EURONEXT as LHYFE, specializes in producing green and renewable hydrogen via water electrolysis, powered by sustainable electricity sources. Through this process, water is split into hydrogen and oxygen, with oxygen being the sole by-product. The company’s inaugural plant in Western France has been operational since the latter half of 2021, with additional sites inaugurated in other regions of France in December 2023. Several other sites are currently either under construction or expansion across Europe.
The unveiling of plans for the UK plant follows 18 months after Lhyfe’s establishment of its UK subsidiary, headquartered in Newcastle, in response to growing demand from companies seeking to reduce reliance on natural gas and fossil fuels. In the UK, Lhyfe aims to emerge as a significant supplier to energy-intensive industries and transportation, enhancing the country’s energy security and fostering new economic prospects.
Moreover, Lhyfe harbors ambitions to explore offshore hydrogen production, leveraging the substantial offshore wind potential the UK offers. The proposed plant is slated to occupy a 4-acre leased industrial-zoned site along the north bank of the River Tyne, previously part of the Neptune Bank Power Station. The plant will utilize green electricity from the grid, adhering to the UK Low Carbon Hydrogen Standard, while also exploring options to harness power from local renewable sources such as solar and wind.
Shepherd Offshore, with over four decades of experience as a leading UK service provider, has thrown its support behind Lhyfe’s project. The company has a track record of developing and operating facilities and supporting top-tier manufacturing on the north bank of the River Tyne, having extensively redeveloped Neptune and Swans Energy Park.
Lhyfe is in advanced discussions with numerous energy-intensive businesses in the area and across the UK, including those with transport fleets that could integrate hydrogen into their operations. Companies and sectors aiming to decarbonize are encouraged to engage with Lhyfe to explore collaboration opportunities.
The planning application for Lhyfe’s project will be submitted to North Tyneside Council in the spring, accompanied by a community engagement program. The project is contingent upon obtaining essential approvals, including building permission and financial investment decisions.
Taia Kronborg, Chief Business Officer at Lhyfe, expressed enthusiasm about selecting North Tyneside for their inaugural UK green hydrogen production project, emphasizing the pivotal role of green hydrogen in decarbonizing major energy users’ operations. Kronborg highlighted Lhyfe’s commitment to working with partners and communities to develop projects that deliver tangible local benefits, underscoring the company’s focus on aligning operations with demand.
Charles Shepherd, Managing Director at Shepherd Offshore, echoed the excitement, emphasizing the partnership’s significance in advancing the River Tyne’s growth and evolution while extending a warm welcome to Lhyfe on the north bank of the Tyne. |
