GeoPura and Forth Ports have co-signed a major, landmark agreement that will see the production of green hydrogen begin this year at the Port of Tilbury.
The plant will support the decarbonisation of one of the UK’s most significant logistics hubs, as well as position Tilbury amongst the first major British ports to host commercial-scale hydrogen production for heavy industrial use.
Following the recent award of a contract to GeoPura for the supply of 2,5000t of hydrogen to the Lower Thames Crossing; this decision will see the new facility at Tilbury begin to support the project’s wider goal of becoming the first major project in the country to be carbon neutral in construction by replacing over 12m litres of diesel.
Handling millions of tonnes of cargo each year, the Port of Tilbury utilises a wide array of plant and equipment, including reach stackers, forklifts and HGV tractor units to keep goods moving. Decarbonising these operations will present an opportunity to reduce carbon emissions, improve local air quality and protect worker health.
Set to utilise 2 million GBP of funding provided by Thames Freeport; the Tilbury green hydrogen project will support the decarbonisation of port operations and establish the port itself as a testbed for low-carbon fuel use within heavy industry.
Under a 10-year agreement (with an option to extend); GeoPura will develop an initial 1MW low carbon hydrogen production plant, which will generate hydrogen via electrolysis and is planned to be powered by on-site solar panels, creating a locally produced supply of zero emission fuel for port operations and the wider Thames Estuary.
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.
