Essar Energy Transition has congratulated Eni and the UK government for finalizing the financial deal for the Liverpool Bay carbon capture and storage (CCS) project. It is a key milestone for the HyNet Industrial Cluster and a major step closer to the UK's clean energy ambitions.

The Liverpool Bay CCS is part of the carbon handling system of HyNet. It enables permanent and secure storage of CO₂ emissions. As construction is at hand, there are plenty of investment opportunities for low-carbon technologies in this project. The project also aids in the curtailment of carbon emissions within North West England and North Wales.

HPP1 Hydrogen Plant for Low-Carbon Development

One of the most notable projects associated with the new CCS equipment is Essar Energy Transition's Hydrogen Production Plant 1 (HPP1). It will be the UK's first large low-carbon hydrogen factory. The factory will produce 350 megawatts (MW) of hydrogen and will capture around 600,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually. That is the equivalent of removing 125,000 cars from the road.

“This is a major milestone not just for the HyNet group but also for the UK's energy transition to cleaner energy," said Tony Fountain, Managing Partner of Essar Energy Transition. "The HyNet CO₂ pipeline will play an important role in helping industries transition in the North West and shows how our Stanlow Manufacturing Complex is a hub for energy transition."

Stanlow Manufacturing Complex: Leading the Change

The Stanlow Manufacturing Complex is situated at the heart of the HyNet cluster and is being redeveloped to be a future energy hub. Its core element is the EET Fuels refinery, and Stanlow is already a major part of the UK energy infrastructure. It will be among the top places for the low-carbon industry in Europe in the near term.

The plant is intended to lower carbon emissions by capturing as much as 2 million tonnes of CO₂ annually and assisting in the production of low-carbon products and fuels. These are:

·         Bringing electricity to important industrial work

·         Adding carbon capture and storage (CCS) plants

·         Construction of Hydrogen Production Plant 2 (HPP2)

·         Production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

·         Securing Employment and Stimulating Economic Growth

In addition to lowering emissions, the projects are expected to protect and create jobs, promote local economic growth, and deliver long-term UK fuel security.

“This provides huge opportunities for future North West business development," Fountain added. "It confirms Stanlow's path to being one of Europe's leading decarbonised refineries."

Joe Seifert, EET Hydrogen's Chief Executive, said: "Today's announcement gives us high confidence as we move ahead to build our flagship project."

Hydrogen Infrastructure for the Future

Hydrogen is central to the UK's net-zero strategy. HPP1 will supply clean hydrogen to industry, transport, and power networks in the area. Carbon capture makes these operations low in carbon from start to finish.

As this plant expands, Stanlow will be a prime launch point for a broader hydrogen economy, with a template being repeatable for future UK energy groups. A Roadmap for UK Clean Energy Leadership Essar Energy Transition's plan for a low-carbon energy future positions the company—and the Stanlow facility—at the vanguard of the UK's decarbonisation.

As work on HyNet proceeds, it shows what is possible where public-private partnership is married to technological innovation to build a cleaner, more secure energy future for generations to come.