Plans for a hydrogen pilot plant to sit alongside Centrica’s Brigg Power Station have been submitted to North Lincolnshire Council.
The low carbon fuel is set to be blended with gas at the peaking plant, in a tie-up between the energy giant 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.
Proprietary technology - provided in modular form for deployment on-site - 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’.
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Late last year a successful bid into the Net Zero Technology Centre’s £8 million Open Innovation Programme was made, and now the work is being taken forward.
In the application, 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.
“Whilst 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. standing just under 10m high in a 38m by 18m site.
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