The Anonymous Widower

State-of-the-Art Bradford Hydrogen Production Facility Approved

The title of this post, is the same as that of this press release from Renewable Connections.

These two paragraphs outline the project.

Bradford Hydrogen Production Facility, a partnership project between Hygen and N-GEN, developed by Renewable Connections, has received consent from Bradford Council. It is anticipated once built, the groundbreaking hydrogen production facility will produce enough hydrogen to remove up to 800 diesel-fuelled buses a day from West Yorkshire roads.

The facility on the old Birkshall gas storage site on Bowling Back Lane in Bradford will produce low carbon hydrogen which can be used to decarbonise vehicles and industry. Businesses and other users in West Yorkshire will be able to use the refuelling facilities on site, with distribution experts Ryze delivering hydrogen to industrial users across the region.

This Google Map shows the area of Bowling Back Lane.

Note.

1. The railway running East-West across the middle of the map.
2. The red arrow indicates St. James Wholesale Market, which will be the site of the new station.
3. Bowling Bank Lane runs East across the nap from the roundabout to the South of the market.
4. There appear to be three gas storage tanks to the North of Bowling Back Lane, towards the East of the map.

I suspect that the electrolyser will be built to the West of the current gas storage tanks.

I have a few thoughts.

It Could Be A Large Site

This Google Map shows an enlargement of the area, between Birkshall Lane and the gas storage tanks.

Note.

1. Birkshall Lane runs across the South-West corner of the map.
2. Several of the businesses in the area seem to concern recycling.
3. The site would appear to stretch from the railway in the North to the gas storage tanks in the East and Birkshall Lane in the West.

I can envisage the space around the electrolyser being developed into a business park for businesses that need hydrogen.

Could There Be A Refuelling Facility For Hydrogen Trains?

I believe that in the next ten years, that many freight trains will be hauled by hydrogen-hybrid locomotives.

As the railway through Bradford used to incorporate a third track, I believe that there could be space for a simple facility to fill up hydrogen-powered locomotives.

Are The Gas Tanks Still Used?

The reason I ask this question, is that if they are and still supply Bradford with natural gas, excess hydrogen could be blended up to a low percentage with natural gas to supply Bradford gas users.

It would certainly be a useful capability.

Conclusion

The electrolyser appears to be well-positioned.

April 3, 2024 - Posted by AnonW | Hydrogen, Transport/Travel | Bradford Electrolyser, Hydrogen-Powered Buses, Hydrogen-Powered Trains