A new state-of-the-art hydrogen production facility will be built in Bradford, providing massive support for the UK’s fuel cell vehicle progress.
Plans have been approved to deliver a hydrogen facility, led by Hygen and N-Gen, which could produce enough hydrogen to remove 800 diesel buses a day from roads in West Yorkshire.
Once completed, the high-tech facilities will produce low carbon hydrogen which can be used to decarbonise vehicles and other industries.
The Bradford Hydrogen production facility became the biggest scheme to be awarded funding through the government’s Hydrogen Production Business Model last year.
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The production facility was given the green light earlier this week
GETTYExperts have praised the site for having the capacity to produce around 12.5 tonnes of hydrogen every day.
The site will be developed on the old Birkshall gas storage site on Bowling Back Lane, with artist impressions showing spaces to refuel cars, buses and tube trailers.
Gareth Mills, Managing Director at N-Gen, said: “We are extremely proud to be bringing a flagship hydrogen production facility and significant investment to Bradford.
"The site was once home to gas holders, which stored natural gas used by the residents and businesses in Bradford, so it is fitting that the site will continue its heritage and now be used for the production and storage of hydrogen, a cleaner fuel.
Businesses in the area will be able to use the facilities
HYGEN/N-GEN
“We expect the facility to be a valuable addition to the Bradford economy, providing a viable way for local businesses to decarbonise, as well as attracting new companies and jobs to the area, by placing the city at the forefront of the transition to clean energy.”
Businesses and private drivers in West Yorkshire will be able to use the refuelling facilities on the site.
Data from the Government’s Hydrogen Strategy shows there are around 265 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles across the UK, including cars, vans, buses and HGVS.
Jamie Burns, Director at Hygen, praised the process and the benefits it would bring to the local area and aid the transition to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
He added: “The granting of planning permission is a significant step in the development of a facility which will provide enormous benefits to the people of Bradford and the surrounding area.
“Along with our partners, we have worked tirelessly to develop these plans, which will provide a blueprint for how complex projects like this can be delivered, boosting the hydrogen and green economies of the UK.”
The hydrogen will be created using electrolysis, where renewable electricity is used to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.
Distribution experts Ryze will be contributing to the process by delivering hydrogen to “industrial users” across the region.
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Development of the hydrogen facility is ongoing
HYGEN/N-GEN
The industry has been supported by the Government through the £23million Hydrogen for Transport Programme and the £270million Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme.