August 14, 2024 [H2 View]- Essar Energy Transition (EET) has acquired Thornton Science Park in the UK’s north west, with plans to transform it into a cutting-edge energy transition hub focused on hydrogen fuel technologies.

The 66-acre park, a key asset to the Cheshire Science Corridor linking Liverpool and Manchester, will be the headquarters for EET Fuels, EET Hydrogen, EET Hydrogen Power and Stanlow Terminals.

EET Fuels is transitioning Stanlow Manufacturing Complex to the UK’s first low-carbon refinery; EET Hydrogen is developing a large-scale, low-carbon hydrogen production hub; EET Hydrogen Power is creating “Europe’s first” hydrogen-fuelled combined heat and power plant (CHP); and Stanlow Terminals is enabling transport and storage infrastructure for biofuels and new energies.

The new facility will support all of these initiatives and fall in line with EET’s $3bn investment in the energy transition across the north west.

“The acquisition of Thornton Science Park represents the latest step in our ambition to develop Europe’s foremost integrated energy transition hub,” explained Deepak Maheshwari, CEO of EET Fuels.

“Leading by example, EET is playing its part to ensure that the UK delivers on its climate change goals, enhances energy security, and maintains a strong, secure manufacturing base for fuels.”

Just last month (July), EET Hydrogen Power was established to enable to development of a 125MW CHP powered by hydrogen. EET Hydrogen Power will be developed over two phases to reach its capacity, with operations planned for 2027.

In February, it was announced that EET Hydrogen had entered into final negotiations with the UK Government’s Department of Energy Security and Net Zero for its planned 350MW hydrogen plant.

The HPP1 low-carbon hydrogen plant is expected to begin construction this year, with a scheduled initial production capacity of 350MW and capturing 600,000 tonnes of CO2 per year.