EDF Renewables UK and Hynamics, a 100% subsidiary of EDF Group specialising in hydrogen, have secured funding from the government’s Net Zero Hydrogen Fund (NZHF) for their North East-based Tees Green Hydrogen project.
Tees Green Hydrogen, is a pioneering proposal to produce hydrogen using electrolysis, powered by electricity from EDF Renewables UK’s portfolio, including power from the proposed Tees Solar farm project, which EDF Renewables UK has submitted plans for near Redcar.
The Net Zero Hydrogen Fund is a £240 million programme overseen by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, aiming to support the commercial deployment of hydrogen production projects across the UK as part of the UK Government’s wider decarbonisation strategy.
The project will provide a boost to local industry and transport by supplying green hydrogen to support decarbonisation efforts and achieve a significant reduction in industrial pollution, securing its long-term sustainability.
EDF Renewables UK will now progress towards Phase 1 of the project. In its initial phase, the electrolyser will have a 7.5MW capacity. It is hoped that work could begin on site in 2025, with the facility operational by 2026. Future phases will seek to deliver up to 300MW in Teesside before 2030.
Tristan Zipfel, Director of Strategy and Analysis at EDF Renewables UK, said: “Today’s announcement is a huge leap forward for green hydrogen innovation which has the capacity to guarantee the long-term sustainability of industry in the North East. We are delighted that the government has given this vote of confidence in both EDF Renewables UK, Hynamics and the capacity of the region to be a world-leader in green technology and innovation.”
Following this announcement, EDF Renewables UK and Hynamics will continue working with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero with hopes of submitting a planning application in the coming months.
Pierre de Raphelis-Soissan, CEO at Hynamics UK, said: “This is a very important step towards realising the potential of Tees Green Hydrogen and making a ground breaking contribution to decarbonisation in the Tees Valley. The project is uniquely placed to be scalable in order that future demand can be met as hydrogen-based technology becomes the industrial norm.”
“Today’s announcement combined with the complementary skills sets of Hynamics and EDF Renewables UK, means that we are in a great position to help lead the way in developing green hydrogen in the North East.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “The future of hydrogen is happening here in Teesside and this is another huge boost for another investment and even more good-quality jobs for local people.
“By working closely with local companies, this project is crucial to protecting the future of existing jobs in local industry, so it’s brilliant to see a positive step forward for this fantastic project on Teesworks.”
Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho, said: “Hydrogen presents a massive economic opportunity for the UK, unlocking over 12,000 jobs and up to £11 billion of investment by 2030.
“Today’s announcement represents the largest number of commercial scale green hydrogen production projects announced at once anywhere in Europe.
“These 11 major new hydrogen projects across the UK will create over 700 jobs and deliver new opportunities from Plymouth in England to Cromarty in Scotland.”
EDF already plays a considerable role in the North East and is a major employer with offshore wind farms at Teesside and Blyth, Hartlepool Power Station and offices in Doxford and Rainton Bridgei. Tees Green Hydrogen will build on this, helping the region become even more of a leader in sustainability and home to more green jobs in the future.
