In my recent interview with Mark Harrison, a project manager at bp, the palpable excitement and sense of purpose surrounding the H2Teesside project were immediately evident. Mark’s enthusiasm for this groundbreaking initiative and its potential to reshape the UK’s energy landscape was unmistakable as we delved into the latest developments.
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We began our discussion with the recent agreement of a statement of principles between bp and the UK Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). This agreement marks a pivotal moment, allowing H2Teesside to advance into the final stage of negotiations for a low carbon hydrogen agreement. This milestone is critical in the broader strategy to establish a low carbon hydrogen production facility in Teesside.
“Agreeing on the statement of principles with DESNZ is a crucial step,” Mark explained. “It signifies a shared vision and commitment between bp and the UK Government towards achieving ambitious decarbonisation targets. This agreement lays the groundwork for the detailed negotiations that will follow, ensuring that both parties are aligned on the project’s objectives and execution.”
The H2Teesside project is an ambitious endeavour aimed at producing low carbon hydrogen at scale. With the recent signing of front-end engineering design (FEED) contracts, bp has enlisted industry leaders to bring this vision to fruition. Technip Energies has been chosen to deliver the FEED for the proposed blue hydrogen production facility, incorporating state-of-the-art carbon capture technology. In parallel, Costain, an infrastructure solutions company, will design the pipeline infrastructure necessary to distribute hydrogen across a 31km network to various industries.
“Having Technip Energies and Costain on board is a testament to the project’s calibre,” Mark noted. “Technip Energies brings extensive experience in hydrogen and carbon capture technologies, while Costain’s expertise in infrastructure solutions will ensure a robust and efficient distribution network. Together, they will help us create an innovative and scalable solution that aligns with the UK’s decarbonisation targets.”
One of the project’s most notable ambitions is to capture and store over two million tonnes of CO₂ annually, equivalent to the emissions from heating one million UK households. This target underscores the environmental significance of the H2Teesside initiative and its potential to make a substantial contribution to the UK’s carbon reduction goals.
“The integration of carbon capture technology is key to reducing the project’s overall carbon footprint,” Mark highlighted. “By capturing and storing CO₂, we can significantly mitigate the environmental impact of hydrogen production, making it a truly sustainable energy source.”
Beyond its environmental benefits, the H2Teesside project promises significant economic and social advantages for the region. By targeting 1.2 GW of hydrogen production, more than 10% of the UK’s 2030 hydrogen production target, the project aims to supply a diverse range of customers, including established industries and new businesses drawn to low carbon hydrogen.
“Teesside has a rich industrial history, and the H2Teesside project is set to play a transformative role in its future,” Mark explained. “The project will create jobs during both the construction and operational phases, support local education and skills development, and catalyse a highly skilled UK-based hydrogen and CCS supply chain. This is a fantastic opportunity for the region to become a leading hydrogen hub and drive economic regeneration.”
As part of the East Coast Cluster, the H2Teesside project will integrate with other decarbonisation initiatives in the region, fostering a comprehensive approach to reducing emissions. This collaborative effort aims to establish a robust hydrogen economy, positioning Teesside as a leader in low carbon technology.
“The East Coast Cluster aims to create a cohesive network of decarbonisation projects, and H2Teesside is a critical component of this vision,” Mark elaborated. “By working together, we can achieve greater efficiencies and deliver a larger impact. This collaborative approach is essential for achieving the scale required to meet the UK’s decarbonisation targets.”
As our conversation drew to a close, Mark reflected on the broader implications of the H2Teesside project and bp’s commitment to energy transition. “Hydrogen is one of bp’s five energy transition growth engines. We believe it will be a key enabler to decarbonise hard-to-abate industries. By prioritising quality opportunities like H2Teesside, we are making significant strides towards a sustainable energy future. This project is not just about meeting targets; it’s about creating a lasting positive impact on the environment, the economy, and the community.”
Reflecting on my interview with Mark Harrison, it is clear that the H2Teesside project represents a substantial step forward in the UK’s pursuit of a low carbon future. The agreement with DESNZ, the involvement of industry leaders like Technip Energies and Costain, and the project’s ambitious targets signal a promising path ahead. As bp progresses into the final stage of negotiations, the H2Teesside project stands as a beacon of innovation, collaboration, and commitment to a greener, more sustainable world.
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