Esso, Macquarie’s Green Investment Group (GIG) and gas distribution group, SGN, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the use of hydrogen and carbon capture to help reduce emissions in the Southampton industrial cluster – home to ExxonMobil’s Fawley complex.
An initial feasibility study shows the annual hydrogen demand from the cluster could rise to as much as 37 TWh by 2050, including the heating demand of 800,000 homes across the South of England.
An increase in the use of hydrogen with carbon capture would help reduce emissions in the area’s industrial sector and stimulate the local economy, while helping reduce emissions from domestic heating and transport.
Hydrogen production could commence as early as 2030
The study estimates that carbon capture facilities could initially capture approximately 2 million tonnes of CO2 per year including from initial hydrogen production of around 4.3 TWh of hydrogen per year.
This could also attract significant investment, support existing employment and stimulate the creation of local jobs. If technical and business feasibility is confirmed, and with the right Government support, hydrogen production could commence as early as 2030.
Potential key role for Fawley
Joe Blommaert, president of ExxonMobil Low Carbon Solutions said: “Hydrogen has the potential to help provide customers with access to affordable, reliable energy while minimising emissions.
“We are pleased to be part of this collaboration that includes a technical study to assess the potential for the Fawley facility to play a key role in both hydrogen production and carbon capture and storage solutions. With well-designed policy and regulations, hydrogen can help reduce the emissions of the Southampton industrial area that provides vital products for modern life.”
Angus McIntosh, director of Energy Futures at SGN said: “Hydrogen will be key in our journey to net zero, providing a reliable, affordable and practical supply of clean energy to multiple sectors whilst ensuring security of supply. The creation of hydrogen hubs in and around industry is a great way of achieving scaled hydrogen demand and creating hydrogen economies.
“We are pleased to partner in this project to explore decarbonisation of the Solent area and build on the outputs of the feasibility study. This project can kick start a net zero industrial cluster in Southampton and stimulate net zero gas networks across the South of England.”
Edward Northam, head of GIG Europe said: “Hydrogen will play a vital role in decarbonising industrial clusters like Southampton, and so it is extremely positive that our recent exploratory study has concluded that this hydrogen project is both technologically and economically feasible. Getting the project to development will require close partnership with local industry – which is why ExxonMobil, a potential cornerstone producer and user of hydrogen, joining our project is a significant step forward.”
We previously reported plans to create a carbon-free hydrogen plant at Stanlow refinery.
