Plans submitted for hydrogen pilot at Humber power station
HIIROC AND CENTRICA PLANT PARTNERSHIP AT BRIGG MOVES FORWARD AS CONSENT SOUGHT
PLANS for a pan-humber hydrogen pilot in power generation have been submitted. The low carbon fuel is set to be blended with gas at a peaking plant, in a tie-up between energy giant Centrica and green-tech start up Hiiroc, in which it has invested.
The well-backed Hull-based firm is pioneering a new production method, and was named as KPMG’S Global Tech Innovator for 2022.
The proprietary technology – provided in modular form for deployment on-site at Brigg Power Station – converts biomethane, flare gas or natural gas into clean hydrogen and carbon black, through an innovative thermal plasma electrolysis process. It results in a low carbon, or potentially negative carbon, “emerald hydrogen”.
Late last year a successful bid into the Net Zero Technology Centre’s £8m Open Innovation Programme was made, and now the work is being taken forward.
In the application to North Lincolnshire Council, Grant Fixter, senior planner for professional services consultancy RPS Group, working with Hiiroc, said: “It is considered that the proposed Hydrogen Pilot Plant will assist the UK in meeting its ambitions of producing more renewable energy in a sustainable manner, in turn, helping tackle climate change.
“The proposed scheme is encouraged at local, national and international levels.
“While not producing commercial energy, selected clients and partners will utilise the pilot plant, increasing their knowledge of the proposed method of hydrogen production. This will boost knowledge of renewable energy production methods and if successful, those who use the pilot plant will be more inclined and in better positions to develop renewable energy projects utilising hydrogen.”
It comes as the original 240MW power plant’s turbine hall is transformed into a large-scale battery storage unit to support onshore wind in the area. Built in 1991, it was decommissioned in 2020, two years after a 50MW rapid operational plant was brought into use. That is now the focus of the demonstration.
Mr Fixter said: “There are also ambitions for Brigg Power Station to become more renewable, so hydrogen production may be considered within the wider power station should this align with future business plans.”
Hiiroc’s facility is planned for land previously occupied by a cooling tower, and will feature a control cabin, drying room and permit office alongside the plant, with two pilot units proposed.
It is considered that the proposed Hydrogen Pilot Plant will assist the UK in meeting its ambitions of producing more renewable energy in a sustainable manner
Grant Fixter