Shoreham Port has begun work on a partnership to produce hydrogen gas, often used in 'green' energy supply.
Port bosses called their approach "an ambitious new partnership with H2evolution" to create "a green hydrogen hub".
They said a planning application will shortly be developed to establish a 20-megawatt electrolysis plant to the south of the Port’s famous lock gates.
The hydrogen produced at Shoreham will be fully certified as green as it will be produced from a combination of captive renewable energy sources available at the Port and green energy, with guaranteed certificates of renewable origin, from the National Grid, which supplies electricity to the UK.
The production process is claimed to be almost silent, produces no waste and emits no pollutants.
The hydrogen hub, which port management aims to have operational in 2024, has the potential to produce fuel cell grade hydrogen to supply local and regional operators of fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) buses, HGVs and waste collection vehicles, as well as vessels and the Port’s own cranes and forklift trucks.
Tom Willis, Chief Executive at Shoreham Port said:
“Through the creation of our hydrogen hub, which will supply zero emission green hydrogen, Shoreham Port can form part of the solution to the region’s net-zero challenges.
"As a community organisation we would like to work with everyone to make this new stage of the Port’s growth a success.
"The new plant will be clean, quiet and create good quality jobs at the Port and within the wider community.”
The UK hydrogen supply chain is expected to grow rapidly in the next five to ten years as demand for practical zero emission and zero carbon diesel alternatives increases.
In the UK Government’s recent Policy paper, ‘The Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution’, it states
“Hydrogen is the lightest, simplest and most abundant chemical element in the universe.
"It could provide a clean source of fuel and heat for our homes, transport and industry”.
Stephen David, Chairman at H2evolution commented:
“We will be producing entirely green, zero carbon fuel to decarbonise the equivalent of 300 buses; enough for towns and cities like Brighton & Hove and Worthing, which will prevent the emission of over 100 tonnes of CO2 per day.
"This will make a huge contribution to the climate change objectives of our community, local authority, and businesses, and can be a key enabler for the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone in Brighton City Centre.”
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