The United Kingdom is known for having one of the most mature hydrogen markets thanks to innovative technology resulting in a project pipeline of 18GW. Several business and government support schemes have helped drive the growth, particularly the £240m Net Zero Hydrogen Fund. In 2023, the UK Government announced plans to double the UK hydrogen ambition in the British Energy Security Strategy to 10GW by 2030. This article will introduce three green hydrogen developers based in the UK who will play a key role in driving the transition to improve hydrogen production.
Carlton Power – hydrogen and storage developer based in Middlesbrough
Established in 1995, the Middlesbrough-based developer has a proven track record when it comes to delivering energy projects throughout Europe and the UK. Carlton Power is developing numerous green hydrogen projects thanks to support from the Government and its UK Hydrogen Strategy. Three of its projects have been shortlisted by DESNZ for funding support such as its Barrow, Trafford, and Langage projects. In May 2023, the firm announced a joint venture with Schroders Greencoat to develop, build and operate hydrogen assets across the UK, the JV is named Green Hydrogen Energy Company. The JV aims to develop 500MW by 2030 and is responsible for developing the three projects previously mentioned above. The JV aims to become the leading hydrogen developed in the UK and has received an investment of £200m from funds managed by Schroders Greencoat. Carlton Power also announced they received funding from the Net Zero Hydrogen funding initiative for its 2MW site in East Suffolk.
ERM Dolphyn – hydrogen developer based in London
ERM Dolphyn is a specialist green hydrogen developer who believes that hydrogen has a key role to play in combating the current climate crisis by providing ultra-low carbon fuel. The London-based group has over 5 years of experience in developing hydrogen assets with a view to increasing output on a bigger scale. In March 2022, the firm partnered with Source Energie to develop floating wind sites that will generate green hydrogen instead of electricity. Their first project, named “Dylan” will become operational in 2027/2028 located 60km off the coast of Milford Haven. The project will be supported by the Welsh Government Smart Living Initiative, in order to drive green hydrogen production and initiatives in the country. The project will also be supported by the UK Government’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
Conrad Energy – hydrogen, solar and storage developer based in Oxfordshire
Founded in 2016, Conrad Energy is a developer and independent power producer (IPP) which seeks to drive down the cost of renewable energy making it more readily available. The Oxfordshire-based firm has acquired a portfolio of over 1GW and continues to grow and develop partnerships with global firms such as BNP Paribas. The British group has a number of hydrogen assets in operation and development, thanks to the partnership with Bloom Energy the group continues to expand its hydrogen operations. In February 2022, Conrad received planning for its 3MW project consisting of 3 hydrogen electrolyzers in Lowestoft PowerPark.
Image Source: Grahame Jenkins via Unsplash (06.07.23)
