EDF Developing Offshore Wind-Powered Hydrogen Production Project In French EEZ
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on offshoreWIND.biz.
This is the sub-heading.
EDF Power Solutions has invited applications for a tender for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) services and hazard studies as part of a project to develop an offshore hydrogen production station in France’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
This is the first paragraph.
The project, dubbed HYODE (HYdrogen Offshore DunkerquE), will produce green hydrogen by coupling offshore wind farms with an offshore electrolyser near Dunkirk, France, and is planned to also include storage and transport by ship to port, forming what EDF describes as an “innovative solution” to help scale green hydrogen production.
I asked Google AI, if there are any operational offshore hydrogen electrolysers and received this answer.
Yes, there are operational offshore electrolyser projects, though large-scale, dedicated offshore hydrogen platforms are still in development. The first operational offshore production on an existing gas platform is planned for late 2024 with the PosHYdon project. Additionally, a pilot project in the UK is testing the full integration of a hydrogen electrolyser onto an existing offshore wind turbine, with another project in the Netherlands installing an offshore hydrogen production and storage platform.
But, I did get this page on page on the Ramboll web site, which is entitled The Rise Of Offshore Hydrogen Production At Scale, which has this introductory paragraph.
The stage is set for producing green hydrogen from offshore wind and desalinated seawater. Building on existing and proven technology, offshore wind farms have the potential to become future production hubs for green hydrogen production at scale to meet increasing demand.
That sounds very promising, especially, if proven technology is borrowed from the offshore oil and gas industry.
It’s
Gwynt Glas And South Wales Ports Combine Strength In Preparation For Multi-Billion Floating Wind Industry
The title of this post, is the same as that of this news item from the Gwynt Glas wind farm.
The news item starts with a spectacular image of a port, that is assembling floating wind turbines and these three paragraphs.
Gwynt Glas Offshore Wind Farm has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UK’s largest port operator, Associated British Ports, and Wales’ largest energy port, the Port of Milford Haven, to ready the ports for the future needs of floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea.
Gwynt Glas is a joint venture partnership between EDF Renewables UK and DP Energy. The proposed floating offshore wind farm would generate 1GW of low carbon green energy in the Celtic Sea.
Under the MoU, information and industry knowledge will be shared to investigate the potential opportunities for manufacture, assembly, load-out and servicing for the Gwynt Glas project from the key South Wales Ports of Port Talbot and Milford Haven. This collaborative approach demonstrates a major commitment to supporting economic growth, investment and maximising social value in the region.
Nuclear Plan For Decommissioned Coal Power Station
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on the BBC.
This is the sub-heading.
Nuclear power could be generated on the site of a former coal power station in Nottinghamshire.
These first four paragraphs add details.
Cottam Power Station was decommissioned in 2019, and in August its eight 114m (375ft) cooling towers were demolished.
Three businesses – American energy firm Holtec International, EDF UK, and real estate manager Tritax – have now signed an agreement to set up a small modular reactor (SMR) to power “advanced” data centres at the 900-acre site.
Holtec said the project could create “thousands of high-skilled manufacturing and construction jobs”, as well as “long-term roles”.
The SMR at Cottam would be the second of its kind, following the creation of a plant at Palisades in Michigan, in the US.
Note.
- Cottam was a 2,000 MW power station, that could run on coal, oil and biomass.
- If a nuclear power station is built at Cottam, it will be one of the first nuclear stations not close to the coast.
I asked Google AI for details of the plant at Palisades in Michigan and received this reply.
The Palisades SMR project at the Palisades Nuclear Plant in Michigan will feature two Holtec SMR-300 units, each producing at least 300 megawatts of power, for a combined total of at least 600-640 megawatts of net power. This project aims to have the first US dual-unit SMR 300 system operational by 2030, and the SMRs are designed to produce electricity and provide steam for other industrial purposes.
It does appear that the new generation of reactors from Holtec, Rolls-Royce and X-energy are smaller than many nuclear reactors built in the last twenty years.
This Google Map shows the Cottam site.
Note.
- The River Trent surrounds the site.
- Could the Trent be used for cooling water?
- The cooling towers are still in place, so the image must have been taken before August.
- The sub-station is in the South-West corner of the site.
- The railway over Torksey viaduct is disused.
It would appear that there is generous space for the SMRs and a few data centres.
The Cottam Solar Project
In DCO Decision On 480MW West Burton Solar NSIP Delayed Until 2025, I wrote about three large solar projects in Eastern England.
The Cottam Solar Project was one of the projects and wants to use the Cottam site.
- The Cottam Solar Project has a web site.
- It will have a capacity of 600 MW, with a battery, with a battery with a 600 MW output and a 600 MWh capacity.
- The solar farm will use the grid connection of the former coal-powered Cottam power station.
- The project is massive and will cover 1270 hectares.
Will this solar project lease space for the SMR, so they can co-exist?
Conclusion
It does appear that there are more than one use for old coal-fired power station sites.
Centrica And X-energy Agree To Deploy UK’s First Advanced Modular Reactors
The title of this post, is the same as that of this press release from Centrica.
This is the sub-heading.
Centrica and X-Energy, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of X-Energy Reactor Company, LLC, today announced their entry into a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to deploy X-energy’s Xe-100 Advanced Modular Reactors (“AMR”) in the United Kingdom.
These three paragraphs add more details.
The companies have identified EDF and Centrica’s Hartlepool site as the preferred first site for a planned U.K. fleet of up to 6 gigawatts.
The agreement represents the first stage in a new trans-Atlantic alliance which could ultimately mobilise at least £40 billion in economic value to bring clean, safe and affordable power to thousands of homes and industries across the country and substantive work for the domestic and global supply chain.
A 12-unit Xe-100 deployment at Hartlepool could add up to 960 megawatts (“MW”) of new capacity, enough clean power for 1.5 million homes and over £12 billion in lifetime economic value. It would be developed at a site adjacent to Hartlepool’s existing nuclear power station which is currently scheduled to cease generating electricity in 2028. Following its decommissioning, new reactors would accelerate opportunities for the site and its skilled workforce. The site is already designated for new nuclear under the Government’s National Policy Statement and a new plant would also play a critical role in generating high-temperature heat that could support Teesside’s heavy industries.
This is no toe-in-the-water project, but a bold deployment of a fleet of small modular reactors to provide the power for the North-East of England for the foreseeable future.
These are my thoughts.
The Reactor Design
The Wikipedia entry for X-energy has a section called Reactor Design, where this is said.
The Xe-100 is a proposed pebble bed high-temperature gas-cooled nuclear reactor design that is planned to be smaller, simpler and safer when compared to conventional nuclear designs. Pebble bed high temperature gas-cooled reactors were first proposed in 1944. Each reactor is planned to generate 200 MWt and approximately 76 MWe. The fuel for the Xe-100 is a spherical fuel element, or pebble, that utilizes the tristructural isotropic (TRISO) particle nuclear fuel design, with high-assay LEU (HALEU) uranium fuel enriched to 20%, to allow for longer periods between refueling. X-energy claims that TRISO fuel will make nuclear meltdowns virtually impossible.
Note.
- It is not a conventional design.
- Each reactor is only about 76 MW.
- This fits with “12-unit Xe-100 deployment at Hartlepool could add up to 960 megawatts (“MW”) of new capacity” in the Centrica press release.
- The 960 MW proposed for Hartlepool is roughly twice the size of the Rolls-Rpoyce SMR, which is 470 MW .
- Safety seems to be at the forefront of the design.
- I would assume, that the modular nature of the design, makes expansion easier.
I have no reason to believe that it is not a well-designed reactor.
Will Hartlepool Be The First Site?
No!
This page on the X-energy web site, describes their site in Texas, which appears will be a 320 MW power station providing power for Dow’s large site.
There appear to be similarities between the Texas and Hartlepool sites.
- Both are supporting industry clustered close to the power station.
- Both power stations appear to be supplying heat as well as electricity, which is common practice on large industrial sites.
- Both use a fleet of small modular reactors.
But Hartlepool will use twelve reactors, as opposed to the four in Texas.
How Will The New Power Station Compare With The Current Hartlepool Nuclear Power Station?
Consider.
- The current Hartlepool nuclear power station has two units with a total capacity of 1,185 MW.
- The proposed Hartlepool nuclear power station will have twelve units with a total capacity of 960 MW.
- My instinct as a Control Engineer gives me the feeling, that more units means higher reliability.
- I suspect that offshore wind will make up the difference between the power output of the current and proposed power stations.
As the current Hartlepool nuclear power station is effectively being replaced with a slightly smaller station new station, if they get the project management right, it could be a painless exercise.
Will This Be The First Of Several Projects?
The press release has this paragraph.
Centrica will provide initial project capital for development with the goal of initiating full-scale activities in 2026. Subject to regulatory approval, the first electricity generation would be expected in the mid-2030s. Centrica and X-energy are already in discussions with additional potential equity partners, as well as leading global engineering and construction companies, with the goal of establishing a UK-based development company to develop this first and subsequent projects.
This approach is very similar to the approach being taken by Rolls-Royce for their small modular reactors.
Will Centrica Use An X-energy Fleet Of Advanced Modular Reactors At The Grain LNG Terminal?
This press release from Centrica is entitled Investment In Grain LNG Terminal.
This is one of the key highlights of the press release.
Opportunities for efficiencies to create additional near-term value, and future development options including a combined heat and power plant, bunkering, hydrogen and ammonia.
Note.
- Bunkering would be provided for ships powered by LNG, hydrogen or ammonia.
- Heat would be needed from the combined heat and power plant to gasify the LNG.
- Power would be needed from the combined heat and power plant to generate the hydrogen and ammonia and compress and/or liquify gases.
Currently, the heat and power is provided by the 1,275 MW Grain CHP gas-fired power station, but a new nuclear power station would help to decarbonise the terminal.
Replacement Of Heysham 1 Nuclear Power Station
Heysham 1 nuclear power station is part-owned by Centrica and EdF, as is Hartlepool nuclear power station.
Heysham 1 nuclear power station is a 3,000 MW nuclear power station, which is due to be decommissioned in 2028.
I don’t see why this power station can’t be replaced in the same manner as Hartlepool nuclear power station.
Replacement Of Heysham 2 Nuclear Power Station
Heysham 2 nuclear power station is part-owned by Centrica and EdF, as is Hartlepool nuclear power station.
Heysham 2 nuclear power station is a 3,100 MW nuclear power station, which is due to be decommissioned in 2030.
I don’t see why this power station can’t be replaced in the same manner as Hartlepool nuclear power station.
Replacement Of Torness Nuclear Power Station
Torness nuclear power station is part-owned by Centrica and EdF, as is Hartlepool nuclear power station.
Torness nuclear power station is a 1,290 MW nuclear power station, which is due to be decommissioned in 2030.
I don’t see why this power station can’t be replaced in the same manner as Hartlepool nuclear power station.
But the Scottish Nationalist Party may have other ideas?
What Would Be The Size Of Centrica’s And X-energy’s Fleet Of Advanced Modular Reactors?
Suppose.
- Hartlepool, Grain CHP and Torness power stations were to be replaced by identical 960 MW ADRs.
- Heysham 1 and Heysham 2 power stations were to be replaced by identical 1,500 MW ADRs.
This would give a total fleet size of 5,880 MW.
A paragraph in Centrica’s press release says this.
The companies have identified EDF and Centrica’s Hartlepool site as the preferred first site for a planned U.K. fleet of up to 6 gigawatts.
This fleet is only 120 MW short.
1.4GW Of BESS Capacity Could Be Co-Located With AR6 Winners
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on Solar Power Portal.
These are the first two introductory paragraphs of the article.
Analysis from Modo Energy has revealed that renewable energy projects awarded contracts under the Contracts for Difference (CfD) Allocation Round 6 (AR6) could facilitate 1.4GW of co-located battery energy storage systems (BESS).
While BESS projects themselves cannot directly participate in the CfD auction, projects awarded contracts are able to co-locate with a battery. Following changes to the rules following Allocation Round 4, BESS co-location is now a far easier prospect for generators, and AR6 saw record high levels of awards for solar projects.
Modo Energy have used two rules to decide which projects will have a battery.
Modo Energy analysis suggests that 5GW of the 9.6GW of renewable energy capacity awarded contracts in AR6 could be suitable for, or has already revealed plans for, co-located battery storage. As a result, as much as 1.4GW of BESS capacity could be created as part of new renewable projects resulting from the AR6.
Using an average ratio of 60MW of BESS capacity for every 100MW of solar generation capacity, Modo Energy has calculated that 1GW of this potential BESS capacity could come from solar projects alone.
Longfield Solar Energy Farm
The article and related documents also say this about Longfield Solar Energy farm.
- This could be the largest battery to co-locate with renewables from this allocation round.
- The project does have a web site.
- The farm has a 399 MW solar array.
- The web site says that the project will store or export up to 500 MW to and from the grid.
- The project is being developed by EDF Renewables.
- The solar farm appears to be North-East of Chelmsford.
The project should be completed by 2027/28.
Conclusion
As time goes on, we’lll see more and more batteries of all kinds co-located with renewable resources.
UK Onshore Wind Capacity Hits 15GW
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on reNEWS.BIZ.
This is the sub-heading.
Milestone reached after 30MW West Benhar project entered operations.
These are the first three paragraphs.
RenewableUK has revealed the UK has installed 15,000MW of operational onshore wind capacity.
The project which enabled the UK to cross the threshold was EDF Renewables UK’s 30.1MW West Benhar onshore wind farm in North Lanarkshire, consisting of seven turbines.
The UK now has 2631 operating onshore wind schemes.
These are my thoughts.
I Am Surprised At The Total Of Onshore Wind
The title says it all.
But 15 GW is almost the same power as five big nuclear power stations, the size of the running-late Hinckley Point C.
Should Some Strategically-Placed Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Be Added?
Some wind farms have been built with wind farms and I very much feel, that with some mathematical modelling some excellent BESS sites could be found.
We should also use batteries, so that no wind farm is ever shut down, because too much wind is being generated.
Where Is West Benhar?
West Benhar wind farm has a web site, where this is the sub-heading.
West Benhar is a 7 turbine wind farm capable of powering up to 18,000 homes located near Shotts in North Lanarkshire.
It was opened on 28 February 2024.
This Google Map shows the location of West Benhar between Edinburgh and Glasgow.
West Benhar is North-East of Shotts and just South of the M8.
There’s More Onshore Wind To Come
These onshore wind farms appear to have Contracts for Difference, but have not been completed.
- Arecleoch Wind Farm Extension – 72.8 MW – Completion 2024/25
- Broken Cross – 48 MW – Completion 2024/25
- Chirmorie – 81.6 MW – Completion 2024/25
- Cumberhead West – 126 MW – + 40 MW BESS – Completion 2024/25
- Douglas West Extension – 78 MW – Completion 2024/25
- High Constellation – 50 MW – Completion 2024/25
- Kilgallioch Windfarm Extension – 51.3 MW – Completion 2024/25
- North Kyle – 206 MW – Completion 2024/25
- Stornoway – 200 MW – Completion 2024/25
- Stranoch – 84 MW – Completion 2024/25
- Viking – 443 MW – Completion 2024
All of these are in Scotland.
But that’s another 1,440.7 MW of onshore wind.
Community Wind Funds
Scotland seems to be continuing to build onshore wind farms.
Could it be that communities have seen the benefits of Community Wind Funds?
This is said about the fund at Stronach.
When operational, EDF Renewables will provide a community benefit fund in line with the Scottish Government Good Practice Principles for Community Benefits from Onshore Renewable Energy Developments. The fund value for the community benefit fund would be £5,000 per megawatt for the lifetime of the wind farm. In the coming months we will begin to form a Community Liaison Group with local interested parties to decide how the funds will be disseminated once the wind farm becomes operational.
If the fund is yearly, then £420,000 is not money to be sneezed at!
Conclusion
It looks like in Scotland that Community Wind Funds promote the building of onshore wind.
Hinkley Point C Fish Protection Plans Attacked By Environmental Organisations
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on New Civil Engineer.
This is the sub-heading.
Revised plans to protect fish from water intake tubes for the Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant on the Severn Estuary have come under fresh criticism from environmental organisations.
These three paragraphs outline the story.
EDF recenrly proposed plans to create a saltmarsh at the Somerset nuclear plant site as an alternative to an acoustic fish deterrent. This followed the Environment Secretary having ruled in 2021, in line with Environment Agency recommendations, that the plant should install an acoustic fish deterrent.
The plant is scheduled to circulate 120,000l of water per second from the Bristol Channel to the nuclear power station through 8km underground tunnels to provide cooling for the power station’s systems.
A group of environmental non-governmental organisations (eNGOs) issued a statement coordinated by Somerset Wildlife Trust saying Hinkley Point C “will have a significant impact on marine and migratory fish including already vulnerable Atlantic salmon, twaite shad and European eel over its lifetime”.
This Google Map shows Lake Michigan, which was where I came across another tale of fish and nuclear power.
Note the red arrow, which marks the DC Cook Nuclear Power Plant.
This second Google Map shows a close-up of the plant.
The power plant sits on the shores of Lake Michigan, from which it gets its cooling water.
In the early 1980s, after the Three Mile Island accident in 1979, I was given a tour of two nuclear power stations of which this plant was one and Shippingport or Beaver Valley was the other. Both were Artemis customers and one of the projects they were using the software on, was to plan and document all the Three Mile Island modifications or TMIs.
But it’s the Cook power plant that I remember.
- I’d turned up at Benton Harbor Airport on a very cold, snowy evening and I remember that the Hertz representation had got all the cars running so customers could drive away in the warm.
- DC Cook was impressive and very well run, and it was a very good customer visit.
- The fishy tale, I heard there was that the warm water from the power station attracted the fish and that some locals in the winter took to fishing through the ice of Lake Michigan. Occasionally, they fell through the ice.
- I was told, that some locals felt that the plant should be shut because of this, but it’s still running forty years after my visit.
- Lunch was interesting, as we went to a Michigan version of the famous Rook restaurant in the Two Ronnies. Except that every dish on the menu had something to do with beans, as that is the area of the US, where navy (baked) beans are grown. They even had a bean savoury for afters!
This article from the Huron Daily Tribune is entitled Fish Force Michigan Nuke Plant Shut Down, where these are the first two paragraphs.
Officials shut down a nuclear power plant on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan on Thursday after a large number of fish swam into the plant’s cooling-water system.
The two reactors at Donald C. Cook Nuclear Plant were idled as workers removed the fish and monitored the cooling system. It wasn’t clear when the reactor would be restarted, owner and operator American Electric Power Co. Inc. said in a statement.
It does appear that Cook was suffering from fish in the system.
I hope this doesn’t predict more delays for Hinckley Point C.
EDF Receives Green Light For Solar Farm At The Macallan Estate
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on Solar Power Portal.
These three paragraphs outline the story.
Energy company EDF Renewables UK has been granted the green light to develop a 4MW solar farm to decarbonise the production of The Macallan’s single malt Scotch whisky in Craigellachie.
Located at The Macallan Estate in north-east Scotland, the distillery company alongside EDF Renewables will integrate ground-mounted solar panels to deliver up to 50% of the daytime electricity needs at peak output. In doing so, this could provide 30% of the site’s yearly electricity demand.
A key aspect of the project is biodiversity and local community engagement – aspects of solar projects which regular readers of Solar Power Portal will be aware of across a number of different schemes.
This Google Map shows the Macallan Estate about sixty miles to the North-West of Aberdeen.
This page on the Macallan Estate web site gives details about the company, its whisky and principles.
As the estate is 485 acres, they’ve certainly got enough space for 4 MW of solar panels.
I do wonder though if low- or zero-carbon whisky and other spirits is the way the industry is going.
Searching the Internet for “Zero-Carbon Whisky” gives some worthwhile results.
- NC’NEAN is organic Scotch Whisky distilled in a net-zero distillery in the Western Highlands of Scotland.
- Cooper King is the is the very first whisky in England to be distilled using net zero energy.
- Diageo opens its first carbon neutral whiskey distillery in North America
- The Scotch Whisky Association will achieve Net Zero emissions by 2040 in our own operations.
- Scotch Whisky Heads To Zero Emissions With Wind & …
Scotland seems to be moving to make whisky at least carbon neutral.
There are also two hydrogen projects aimed at distilleries under development.
This is a paragraph from the home page of the Cromarty Hydrogen Project.
The Cromarty Hydrogen Project is the first project in the Scotland Hydrogen Programme. It originated from a collaboration between the Port of Cromarty Firth, ScottishPower, Glenmorangie, Whyte & Mackay and Diageo and the project originator, Storegga during the feasibility stage. This project is looking to develop a green hydrogen production hub in the Cromarty Firth region and revolves around the local distilleries forming the baseload demand for early phases of the project, which would enable them to decarbonise in line with their own ambitions and sector targets.
This project appears to be backed by three companies, who produce Scotch whisky.
In Major Boost For Hydrogen As UK Unlocks New Investment And Jobs, I said this.
I have just looked at the InchDairnie Distillery web site.
- It looks a high class product.
- The company is best described as Scotch Whisky Reimagined.
- The company is based in Fife near Glenrothes.
- They appear to have just launched a rye whisky, which they are aiming to export to Canada, Japan and Taiwan.
The press release says this about InchDairnie.
InchDairnie Distillery in Scotland, who plan to run a boiler on 100% hydrogen for use in their distilling process.
That would fit nicely with the image of the distillery.
I suspect the hydrogen will be brought in by truck.
Would a zero-carbon whisky be a hit at Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil parties?
Diageo
This page on the Diageo web site is entitled Accelerating To A Low Carbon World.
It would probably help if more companies thought like Diageo.
Conclusion
Macallan are certainly going in the right direction.
Major Boost For Hydrogen As UK Unlocks New Investment And Jobs
The title of this post, is the same as that of this press release from the Government.
These three bullet points, act as sub-headings.
-
Eleven new production projects will invest around £400 million up front over the next 3 years, growing the UK’s green economy
-
More than 700 jobs to be created, representing the largest number of commercial scale green hydrogen production projects announced at once anywhere in Europe
-
New certainty for industry as government sets out hydrogen ambitions, including future production, transport and storage rounds
These two paragraphs outline the investment.
Over 700 jobs will be created across the UK in a world-leading hydrogen industry from the South West of England to the Highlands of Scotland, backed by £2 billion in government funding over the next 15 years.
Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho today (Thursday 14 December) announced backing for 11 major projects to produce green hydrogen – through a process known as electrolysis – and confirmed suppliers will receive a guaranteed price from the government for the clean energy they supply.
Note.
- This represents the largest number of commercial scale green hydrogen production projects announced at once anywhere in Europe.
- It is green hydrogen produced by electrolysis.
- The projects appear to be distributed around the UK.
- 125 MW of new hydrogen for businesses will be delivered.
I detailed the shortlist in Hydrogen Business Model / Net Zero Hydrogen Fund: Shortlisted Projects Allocation Round 2022, which used this press release from the Government as source.
Projects And Topics
This notice from the Government lists the eleven successful projects.
Projects and topics mentioned in the notice include.
Bradford Low Carbon Hydrogen
I was very impressed, when I went to see the public exhibition of this project.
- One of the reasons for building the electrolyser, is that Bradford has too many steep hills for electric buses, so will have to use more powerful hydrogen buses.
- I also got talking to a Bradford councillor, who said that they were going to use hydrogen to attract businesses to the city.
- It’s also rather large with a capacity of 24.5 MW.
The press release also gives this comment from Gareth Mills, Managing Director at N-Gen who said.
This is an important and exciting project, not just for Bradford, but also for the wider area and the community that lives here, so we are delighted to now have financial backing from government to allow us to start work on the site.
Bradford Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and we believe this facility will play an important role in helping the area deliver on its climate change ambitions.
We know hydrogen can support decarbonising all energy types including transport, and producing green hydrogen is central to this, so we’re really excited to work with Hygen to deliver this development.
I very much feel that other large towns and cities will follow Bradford’s example.
Carlton Power
Carlton Power is a developer, who have been successful with bids for three hydrogen production projects.
- Barrow Green Hydrogen – 21 MW
- Langage Green Hydrogen – 7 MW
- Trafford Green Hydrogen – 10.5 MW
The links go to the respective web sites.
The press release also gives this comment from Eric Adams, Carlton Power’s Hydrogen Projects Director who said.
We are delighted with today’s announcement from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). Securing contracts for each project – totalling 55MW of capacity and an investment of c£100 million, and each with planning consent – is a major achievement and places Carlton Power among the leading British companies that are helping to build the hydrogen economy in the UK.
The press release also gives this comment from Keith Clarke, Founder and Chief Executive of Carlton Power who said.
We are supporting UK industry to decarbonise their operations, supporting the UK’s efforts to reach net zero and we are a catalyst for green investment and jobs into the UK regions. Working with our financial partners, Schroders Greencoat, we can now work towards Final Investment Decisions for each scheme in the early part of next year and thereafter work to have the 3 enter commercial operation within 2 years.
Carlton Power seem pleased, they got all the projects, they wanted.
Cromarty Hydrogen Project
The Cromarty Hydrogen Project has a web site, where this is said about the background of the project.
This Proposed Development would form part of the North of Scotland Hydrogen Programme recognised in the Scottish Government’s Hydrogen Action Plan1 The North of Scotland Hydrogen Programme is a strategic programme in line with the Scottish Government’s resolve to achieve Net Zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2045 and the UK Government’s ambition by 2050. The programme is aimed at developing hydrogen production hubs across the North of Scotland to supply hydrogen, initially to meet industrial and heavy goods vehicle (HGV) transport demand in the near term and then expand to cater to additional hydrogen demands in the future.
The Cromarty Hydrogen Project is the first project in the Scotland Hydrogen Programme. It originated from a collaboration between the Port of Cromarty Firth, ScottishPower, Glenmorangie, Whyte & Mackay and Diageo and the project originator, Storegga during the feasibility stage. This project is looking to develop a green hydrogen production hub in the Cromarty Firth region and revolves around the local distilleries forming the baseload demand for early phases of the project, which would enable them to decarbonise in line with their own ambitions and sector targets.
Note.
- In Cromarty Firth And Forth To Host First Green Freeports, I talk about how Cromarty Firth is going to be a green freeport.
- The electrolyser is a medium-sized one at 10.6 MW.
- Initially HGVs will take a large part of the output.
The distillers seem to be playing a large part. I assume it it’s because distilling needs a lot of heat to boil off all the water from a spirit.
The press release also gives this comment from Sarah Potts, Storegga’s Hydrogen Managing Director, who said.
After a lot of hard work by the integrated Storegga and ScottishPower project team, particularly over the past 18 months since the UK government launch of HAR1, I’m delighted that Cromarty has been selected by the UK government Department of Energy Security and Net Zero as one of 11 projects to be awarded a funding support contract. As an SME originating from North East Scotland, I believe Storegga is able to bring a unique perspective and ambition to deliver decarbonisation solutions for Scottish industry. We look forward to now being able to take the project forward to a final investment decision in 2024, with first production in 2026 and continuing to grow our hydrogen investments in the region.
The Cromarty Hydrogen Project appears to be a local project developed to satisfy a local need, but within Government policy.
Green Hydrogen 3
I wrote about this project in Government Hydrogen Boost To Help Power Kimberly-Clark Towards 100% Green Energy Target.
It is being developed by HYRO at Northfleet for Kimberly-Clark.
The press release also gives this comment from Alex Brierley, co-head of Octopus Energy Generation’s fund management team, who said.
This is a major milestone as this funding will enable HYRO to roll out green hydrogen projects at scale in hard-to-electrify industrial processes. Our first project will be working with Kimberly-Clark to flush away fossil fuels when manufacturing Andrex and Kleenex. We’ve got a big pipeline of projects to help even more industrial businesses decarbonise – and we’re on track to invest billions in this sector.
Note.
- Will Andrex become the bog-roll of choice for the supporters of Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil?
- Octopus Energy seem to be getting their fingers into lots of projects.
- I suspect that Octopus Energy will need billions.
I very much like the way that Kimberly-Clark are going and it will be interesting, if they bring out a sales philosophy based on low-carbon manufacture.
Hydrogen Blending
The press release talks of hydrogen blending.
Ministers have also announced their decision to support hydrogen blending in certain scenarios – subject to an assessment of safety evidence and final agreement.
Currently, less than 1% of the gas in distribution networks is hydrogen. Under proposals, hydrogen could be blended with other gases in the network as an offtaker of last resort, working to reduce costs in the hydrogen sector by helping producers, and to support the wider energy system.
Hydrogen blending may help achieve the UK’s net zero ambitions, but would have a limited and temporary role as the UK moves away from the use of natural gas.
When I was a wet-behind-the-ears young engineer working on ICI’s hydrogen plant at Runcorn in the 1960s, one of the topics over coffee was how can ICI find more markets for the hydrogen they produce. I suspect a lot of the excess hydrogen went to raise steam in ICI’s power station. That wasn’t very efficient or profitable.
But suppose it is deemed safe to have up to 5 % of hydrogen in the natural gas supply. Then an electrolyser operator, would know they have an offtaker of last resort, which would in effect set a minimum price for the hydrogen.
- I believe this could help their sales of hydrogen to heavy gas users, within easy reach by pipeline or truck of the electrolyser.
- It might also attract businesses with a heavy energy usage or large carbon emissions to relocate close to an electrolyser.
Allowing hydrogen blending will also mean that no expensive hydrogen is wasted.
The government’s proposal on hydrogen blending is very sensible.
Hydrogen In Home Heating
The press release says this about using hydrogen for home heating.
Ministers have decided not to proceed with a hydrogen trial in Redcar, as the main source of hydrogen will not be available. The government recognises the potential role of hydrogen in home heating and will assess evidence from the neighbourhood trial in Fife, as well as similar schemes across Europe, to decide in 2026 whether and how hydrogen could help households in the journey to net zero.
I believe the ideal way to heat homes and other buildings depends on what is available at the building’s location.
Promising ideas are coming through, but I haven’t seen one that will suit my circumstances.
But something will come through and my engineering instinct says it will be powered by natural gas and the carbon will be captured. The system would probably work on a district-wide basis.
HyMarnham
HyMarnham is probably the most unusual of the projects.
It is a collaboration between J G Pears and GeoPura.
J G Pears describe themselves like this on their web site.
JG Pears is one of the UK’s leading processors of animal by-products and food waste. Pioneering environmentally-aware practices since we started out in 1972, we play a vital role in the agricultural and food industries.
GeoPura has this mission statement on their web site.
GeoPura has a totally zero-emissions answer to how we’re going to generate, store and distribute the vast amount of energy required to decarbonise our global economies. Clean fuels. Green fuels. We believe that renewable energy is the future.
It appears that a 9.3 MW electrolyser will be built on the site of the demolished High Marnham coal-fired power station, which is shown on this Google Map.
Note.
- The River Trent runs North-South across the map.
- There are two villages of High and Low Marnham in the middle of the map.
- The circles at the top of the map indicate the cooling towers of the demolished High Marnham power station.
- The High Marnham power station site is now owned by J G Pears.
- J G Pears Newark site is to the West of Low Marnham village.
- In the North-East corner of the map is the Fledborough viaduct, which crosses the River Trent.
- Network Rail’s High Marnham Test Track runs East-West across the map and uses the Fledborough viaduct to cross the Trent.
This second Google Map shows a close up of the former power station site.
Note.
- Network Rail’s High Marnham Test Track runs East-West across the map at the top.
- The remains of High Marnham power station can be clearly seen.
- The sub-stations that connected the power station to the grid are still in place.
This article on Energy-Pedia is entitled UK: HyMarnham Power’s Green Hydrogen Project Shortlisted for UK’s Net Zero Hydrogen Fund and contains this paragraph.
Harnessing the expertise of GeoPura and JG Pears, the site will be powered by 43 MW of new solar energy and utilises 8MW of electrolysers; establishing a long-term supply of low carbon hydrogen in the region.
Note that the electrolysers are now sized at 9.3 MW.
It looks to me like one or both companies wanted an electrolyser and J G Pears had the site, so engineers and executives of the two companies got together in a decent real ale pub, started thinking and the result is HyMarnham.
- Electricity can come from the solar panels or the National Grid.
- Excess solar electricity can be exported through the National Grid.
- There is plenty of space on the site for a hydrogen filling station for vehicles.
- There could even be a filling point for refueling hydrogen-powered trains on the High Marnham Test Track.
The Energy-Pedia article indicates that GeoPura and JG Pears would like to get started this year.
Could the partners install a small electrolyser linked to the National Grid, initially, so that Network Rail has the ability to test hydrogen trains?
InchDairnie Distillery In Scotland
I have just looked at the InchDairnie Distillery web site.
- It looks a high class product.
- The company is best described as Scotch Whisky Reimagined.
- The company is based in Fife near Glenrothes.
- They appear to have just launched a rye whisky, which they are aiming to export to Canada, Japan and Taiwan.
The press release says this about InchDairnie.
InchDairnie Distillery in Scotland, who plan to run a boiler on 100% hydrogen for use in their distilling process.
That would fit nicely with the image of the distillery.
I suspect the hydrogen will be brought in by truck.
But would a zero-carbon whisky be a hit at Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil parties?
PD Ports In Teesside
The press release says this about PD Ports.
PD Ports in Teesside, who will use hydrogen to replace diesel in their vehicle fleet, decarbonising port operations from 2026
I’ve felt for some time, that ports and freight interchanges, where you have lots of cranes, trucks and other diesel-powered equipment running hither and thither, is a good application for hydrogen, as not only does it cut carbon-emissions, but it also provides cleaner air for the workforce.
PD Ports have a Wikipedia entry, where this is said about their operations.
As of 2013 PD Ports owns and operates the Ports of Tees and Hartlepool under the name Teesport. The company also operates the Hull Container Terminal at the Port of Hull, and provides stevedoring and warehousing services at the Port of Immingham; logistics and warehousing at the Port of Felixstowe, Scunthorpe, and Billingham; and operates a wharf on the Isle of Wight. The company also owns the short sea ports in Scunthorpe (Groveport), Howden (Howdendyke, River Ouse, Yorkshire), and Keadby (River Trent).
The company appears to be bigger, than just Teesport and this project could grow.
The hydrogen for this project in Teesport appears to come from Tees Green Hydrogen, which will be a 5.2 MW facility developed by EDF Renewables Hydrogen.
The press release also gives this comment from Sopna Sury, Chief Operating Officer Hydrogen RWE Generation, who said.
Today’s announcements on the first 2 hydrogen allocation rounds mark a significant milestone in the development of the UK hydrogen economy. They represent a shift from policy development to project delivery, giving industry more clarity on the route to final investment decisions. Alongside the wider policy publications, this demonstrates that the UK wants to be a leader in delivering the clean energy transition.
These early projects are vital not only in driving the production of electrolytic hydrogen but also in signalling the need to build-out the T&S infrastructure for its wider distribution.
As a company with ambitions to develop approximately 2 gigawatts of green hydrogen projects across all our markets, and to invest around 8 billion euros net in green technologies in the UK between 2024-2030, RWE looks forward to being part of building a thriving hydrogen ecosystem in the UK.
These are positive words from the German energy company; RWE.
Sofidel In South Wales
The press release says this about Sofidel.
Sofidel in South Wales, who will replace 50% of their current gas boiler consumption with hydrogen at their Port Talbot paper mill.
The Wikipedia entry for the Sofidel Group has this first paragraph.
Sofidel is an Italian multinational producer of tissue paper for sanitary and domestic use. The Sofidel Group was founded in 1966. It is one of the world leaders in the tissue paper market and the second largest producer in Europe behind Essity. The privately held company is owned by the Stefani and Lazzareschi families, has subsidiaries in 13 countries and more than 6,600 employees.
Note.
- From the Wikipedia entry, it looks like the company has a good record on sustainability and has set itself good objectives.
- Sofidel are nor far from Tata Steel, who could be another large hydrogen user.
- Port Talbot will be a support port for the wind farms in the Celtic Sea.
- This is a typical hydrogen application, which reduces emission of carbon dioxide.
- But like me, have the Italian owners of the company been impressed with some of the Italian food, I’ve eaten in South Wales?
- Are British sweeteners better than Italian ones?
- The hydrogen for this project appears to come from HyBont Bridgend, which will be a 5.2 MW facility developed by Marubeni Europower.
The press release also gives this comment from Mr Tomoki Nishino, President and CEO of Marubeni Europower Ltd, who said.
Marubeni team is very honoured to be selected as a recipient of Hydrogen Allocation Round 1. Recently in October 2023, Marubeni signed an MoU with the UK government whereby we have shown our plan to invest £10 billion (along with our partners) into UK green business. We truly hope that a combination of HAR1 funding and Marubeni’s investment help decarbonize UK through HyBont, especially in the South Wales region.
It all seems to be happening in Port Talbot.
Tees Green Hydrogen
Tees Green Hydrogen is a 5.2 MW project being developed by EDF Renewables on Teesside.
The project has a web site, which has this project description on the home page.
Tees Green Hydrogen, will be a pioneering project, using the green electricity from nearby Teesside Offshore Wind Farm along with a new solar farm, which EDF Renewables UK intends to construct near Redcar, to power its hydrogen electrolyser.
The press release also gives this comment from Tristan Zipfel, Director of Strategy and Analysis at EDF Renewables UK, who said.
Today’s announcement is a huge leap forward for green hydrogen innovation which has the capacity to guarantee the long-term sustainability of industry in the North East. We are delighted that the government has given this vote of confidence in both EDF Renewables UK, Hynamics and the capacity of the region to be a world-leader in green technology and innovation.
The press release also gives this comment from Pierre de Raphelis-Soissan, CEO at Hynamics UK, who said.
This is a very important step towards realising the potential of Tees Green Hydrogen and making a ground breaking contribution to decarbonisation in the Tees Valley. The project is uniquely placed to be scalable in order that future demand can be met as hydrogen-based technology becomes the industrial norm.
Note.
- The project will be powered by both wind and solar.
- Hynamics is a subsidiary of EDF.
- I suspect that this project will supply PD Ports with hydrogen.
This project looks like it could be just a starter for 5.2 MW.
West Wales Hydrogen
West Wales Hydrogen is a 14.2 MW project being developed by H2 Energy and Trafigura in West Wales.
The best source of information is this must-watch Youtube video.
- The company appears to be able to lease you a hydrogen truck on a pay per mile basis, at the same price as a diesel truck.
- Get the finance right for your customers and yourself and everybody will be happy.
I know it will work, as I used to own half a company that leased a lot of trucks in Ipswich.
- My experience, also says the model would work with taxis, Transit-sized vans, company cars and vehicles like Defenders.
- It would also work very well around Ipswich, like my company did.
The press release also gives this comment from Julien Rolland, CEO of H2 Energy Europe, who said.
We are very grateful for the support that the UK government has announced for our 20MW electrolytic hydrogen production facility, marking a significant milestone in our journey to develop South Wales’s first large-scale green hydrogen production plant. The facility will enable industry in South Wales to transition to using green hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources.
The green hydrogen produced at Milford Haven will be used to displace natural gas and other fossil fuels in industrial and chemical processes and contribute to the decarbonisation of the local industry. The interest that we’ve already received from local industry means we are already reviewing the opportunity to scale up the facility.
I can see this model being applied all over the UK.
Whitelee Green Hydrogen
Whitelee Green Hydrogen is a 7.1 MW project being developed by Scottish Power close to the Whitelee Wind Farm.
The Whitelee Wind Farm has a comprehensive Wikipedia entry, where this is said about the future of the wind farm.
In May 2009, the Scottish Government granted permission for an extension to the wind farm to produce up to a further 130 megawatts of power, which would increase the total generating capacity of Whitelee to 452 MW.
In 2010 a 75 turbine extension commenced, adding an additional 217 MW of capacity, enough to power the equivalent of over 124,000 homes. This brought the total generating capacity of the wind farm up to 539 MW. Additionally, the extension added a further 44 km of trails to the site. John Sisk and Son Limited and Roadbridge were jointly appointed as Principal Contractors for the site during construction with Alstom Limited erecting and commissioning the wind turbines.
In August 2012 Scottish Power announced that it was applying for a further small extension of five turbines on the west of the existing site, adding 12 MW of capacity. This was refused by the DPEA on 19 Oct 2016.
A £21 million (US$29.35 million) 50MW/50MWh grid battery is being added to improve resource utilization, with plans for a 40 MW solar farm and a 20 MW hydrogen electrolyzer.
The press release also gives this comment from Peter Jones, Director of ScottishPower Green Hydrogen Business, who said.
The first wave of production facilities like Whitelee and Cromarty will demonstrate that zero-emission hydrogen can be delivered at commercial scale and drive the development of a viable market for the green fuel.
It will also create highly skilled green jobs across the UK and quickly support a world leading supply chain.
It’s early days for this burgeoning market and government support is to be welcomed to help deliver a future green hydrogen economy.
With 539 MW of wind, 40 MW of solar and a 50MW/50MWh grid battery to drive a 7.1 MW electrolyser, this should prove to be a reliable source of green hydrogen.
My Thoughts
I have a few extra thoughts.
Coverage Is Rather Patchy
Some areas of the UK don’t seem to be well-served with green hydrogen from this funding.
- East Suffolk with all those trucks going to and from the Port of Felixstowe. There’s certainly no lack of renewable energy.
- Humberside with all its energy-hungry industries. There’s certainly no lack of renewable energy.
- Hampshire with all those trucks going to and from the ports of Portsmouth and Southampton. But there is a lack of renewable energy.
- Lincolnshire with all those trucks going to and from Immingham. There’s certainly no lack of renewable energy.
- London with all those local trucks delivering building materials to sites all over the capital. But then the current Mayor doesn’t have a hydrogen policy.
I would assume, that some of these areas will be funded for hydrogen in the second round.
UK Consortium To Develop Mobile Hydrogen Refuelling For Construction Sites
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on H2 View.
These first two paragraphs outline the project.
A UK consortium has secured over £3m ($3.7m) in government funding to develop mobile hydrogen refuelling for construction sites.
The Ryze-led consortium, made up of iGAS, Wrightbus, Skanska, Mace Dragados and Sizewell C, has been awarded £3.2m ($3.99m) from the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero’s Red Diesel Replacement Programme to develop and demonstrate a new suite of production-ready hydrogen refuelling equipment suitable for construction sites.
It appears to be a very comprehensive project and everything will be tested in a working quarry.
Having recently had a diesel-powered truck outside my house, that was clearing up the mess left by a dead tree, I feel that the health benefits of zero-carbon construction sites could be immense.
Sizewell C
I find it interesting that Sizewell C is part of the consortium.
Does this mean, that all construction on Suffolk’s new nuclear power station will use hydrogen and electric power, to lower the carbon footprint?
In Ryze Hydrogen’s Suffolk Freeport Hydrogen Vision Takes Shape, I gave this quote from this article on S & P Global.
Ryze Hydrogen plans to install a 6 MW electrolyzer at the Sizewell nuclear site in Suffolk as a launchpad for mass production of low carbon hydrogen in and around the future freeport of Felixstowe, company founder Jo Bamford told S&P Global Platts March 3.
As Sizewell C is to be built by a consortium led by EDF Energy and the French company operates Sizewell B, will the Sizewell electrolyser be built first and powered by Sizewell B, so that the hydrogen can be used to lower the carbon footprint of Sizewell C?
The Zero-Carbon Toilet
In Cadent’s Hydrogen-Hybrid Solar Toilet, I describe how Cadent are looking after their workers on a site in London.
These ideas will inspire a lot more.
The Anonymous Widower 