NSG and Grenian Hydrogen's Plan for a Green Hydrogen Hub in St Helens
Key Ideas
  • NSG and Grenian Hydrogen are seeking government backing to establish a green hydrogen hub at the Pilkington plant in St Helens.
  • The proposed hydrogen plant aims to provide the furnace with up to seven tonnes of zero-emission hydrogen daily, cutting 15,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
  • The project aligns with Pilkington UK's efforts for decarbonization, with plans to scale up low carbon glass production by 2027 and contribute to carbon neutrality targets.
  • The initiative marks a significant step towards sustainable energy solutions in the Liverpool City Region, with St Helens at the forefront of decarbonization efforts in the built environment.
Glassmaking giant NSG and green energy group Grenian Hydrogen are collaborating on a plan to establish a green hydrogen hub at the Pilkington plant in St Helens, United Kingdom. The proposed hydrogen plant at Pilkington UK's Greengate Works site aims to accelerate the production of low carbon glass starting from 2027. It is designed to supply the site's furnace with up to seven tonnes of zero-emission hydrogen daily, leading to the elimination of 15,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually and enabling the production of more low-carbon architectural glass. The project is currently in the public consultation phase, with Grenian Hydrogen planning to submit a formal planning application in the upcoming summer. NSG and Grenian are seeking support under the UK Government's Hydrogen Allocation Round 2 (HAR2) to proceed with their plans. If successful, they aim to commence work at Pilkington by the next summer to kickstart decarbonization efforts by 2027. This project represents a significant milestone for Grenian, as it is their first venture seeking planning permission. The Managing Director of Pilkington UK expressed the importance of securing a reliable supply of green hydrogen to scale up low carbon glass production and promote carbon-free buildings. The project not only aligns with Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) certified goals for carbon neutrality but also sets a precedent for sustainable energy solutions in the built environment. Grenian's CEO highlighted the potential for substantial CO2 emissions reduction at the Greengate Works plant through the use of green hydrogen, emphasizing the role of St Helens in leading sustainable energy initiatives within the Liverpool City Region. The project also involves upgrading the glass furnace at Greengate to accommodate additional production from the Watson Street site, with the expectation of saving 15,000 tonnes of CO2 annually by operating a single furnace. Overall, the collaboration between NSG, Grenian Hydrogen, and Pilkington UK represents a proactive approach towards decarbonization and sustainable energy solutions in the UK.
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