GeoPura and Forth Ports have signed an agreement to produce green hydrogen on site at the Port of Tilbury starting this year.
The plant will support the decarbonisation of Tilbury, making it one of the first major British ports to host commercial-scale hydrogen production for heavy industrial use.
Enabled by £2m of Thames Freeport seed capital, the project will support the decarbonisation of port operations and establish Tilbury as a testbed for low-carbon fuel use in heavy industry.
Under a 10-year agreement, with an option to extend, GeoPura is developing an initial 1MW low carbon hydrogen production plant at Tilbury.
The facility will generate hydrogen via electrolysis which is planned to be powered by on-site solar panels, creating a secure, locally produced supply of zero emission fuel for port operations and the wider Thames Estuary.
This will also bring significant investment and skilled green jobs, supporting the skills transition and long-term capability in hydrogen production to the area, it said.
As a major port operator, Forth Ports is looking for new and innovative sustainable solutions to ensure effective energy transition as it works towards its goal to become net zero by 2042, it added.
The decision to establish the facility comes after GeoPura was awarded the contract to supply 2,5000 tonnes of hydrogen to the Lower Thames Crossing.
Andrew Cunningham, Chief Executive Officer of GeoPura, said:
“Following on from our work at HyMarnham Power, where we’re transforming a former coal fired power station into a large scale low carbon hydrogen production site, Tilbury is another powerful example of how the UK can use its existing industrial infrastructure to produce renewable fuels for the future.
“It’s great to see the clear commitment of the Port of Tilbury to decarbonise its operations. It’s a perfect location to support hydrogen adoption across the Thames Estuary, improving air quality and creating new high quality clean energy UK jobs.”
David Webster, Regional Director –Tilbury, said:
“Forth Ports has a track record of delivering market-leading solutions across low-carbon logistics, sustainable construction and on-site power generation as we pursue our intentionally ambitious goal of becoming a net zero carbon emissions operation by 2042.
“We are excited to be working with the GeoPura team to deliver green hydrogen generation which represents another significant step on this journey.”
Stuart Rimmer Interim, CEO of Thames Freeport, said:
“Hydrogen has a clear role in decarbonising heavy industry and logistics. By supporting this demonstrator at Tilbury, Thames Freeport are demonstrating clear leadership in this area and helping create the conditions for wider adoption, new investment and skilled jobs across the region.
“This project shows how freeport programmes can bring together industry partners to test and scale new technologies in real operating environments.”
Image courtesy of GeoPura
