Latest news with #Hygen
BBC News
7 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Bradford hydrogen plant given green light by government
Plans to build a hydrogen production plant in Bradford have taken a step forward with the government signing off on the agreement gives N-Gen Energy Solutions and Hygen Energy the go-ahead to start construction work on a low-carbon green hydrogen production is part of a wider government scheme to boost clean energy production, with 10 projects in total given the green Minister Sarah Jones said: "Hydrogen will help us cut industrial emissions and support Britain's industrial renewal by creating thousands of jobs in our industrial heartlands as part of the Plan for Change." The government said these projects would support British industry to move away from using fossil fuels towards domestically produced low-carbon hydrogen, reducing emissions from heavy industry such as steel, glass and heavy project in Bradford will use renewable electricity to produce hydrogen for use in the mobility sector, with JCB and Wrightbus earmarked as potential is being built on Bowling Back Lane, where three large gas holders stood previously.N-Gen managing director Gareth Mills said: "We expect the facility to be a valuable addition to the Bradford economy, providing a viable way for local businesses to decarbonise, as well as attracting new companies and jobs to the area, by placing the city at the forefront of the transition to clean energy."Jamie Burns, director at Hygen, added: "The granting of planning permission is a significant step in the development of a facility which will provide enormous benefits to the people of Bradford and the surrounding area."Along with our partners, we have worked tirelessly to develop these plans, which will provide a blueprint for how complex projects like this can be delivered, boosting the hydrogen and green economies of the UK." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Daily Record
7 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Continued support from MP with visit to proposed Selms Muir Project site near Livingston
The MP was briefed on plans for a 20-megawatt green hydrogen electrolyser The proposed site of the Selms Muir Green Hydrogen Project near Livingston was recently visited by constituency MP Gregor Poynton as he continued his support for the landmark clean energy development. Accompanied by representatives from Hygen and European Energy, the joint venture behind the project, the MP was briefed on plans for a 20-megawatt green hydrogen electrolyser co-located with the already consented Selms Muir Solar Farm. The innovative development, shortlisted in the UK Government's Second Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR2), would produce up to six tonnes of low-carbon hydrogen a day and play a key role in decarbonising transport and construction across West Lothian and Central Scotland. Gregor Poynton MP said: 'This is exactly the kind of ambitious, job-creating green infrastructure West Lothian and the Livingston constituency needs. The Selms Muir project has the potential to power our buses and construction sites, drive us towards clean energy by 2030, and create skilled local employment in the process. 'I'm pleased to be backing this project in Westminster and in the constituency and will keep pressing Ministers to ensure hydrogen funding decisions are made on time so that this vital development can move forward.' The project team confirmed that work is progressing with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) on final due diligence, and that discussions with potential offtakers including Lothian Buses, JCB and Wrightbus are already under way. By pairing on-site solar power with hydrogen production, Selms Muir aims to demonstrate how locally generated renewable electricity can support the decarbonisation of sectors that are traditionally hard to electrify. The development could reach Final Investment Decision shortly after a successful HAR2 outcome and be operational within two years. The project also aligns with the UK Government's 10GW hydrogen target and the Scottish Government's net zero commitments. The MP for Livingston has previously written to Minister of State for Industry Sarah Jones MP to advocate for the project, and has committed to further pressing DESNZ on timeline commitments and support for transport-sector hydrogen in the forthcoming UK Hydrogen Strategy refresh. Mark Evans, European Energy Vice-President for UK & Ireland, said: 'We were delighted to welcome Mr Poynton to the Selms Muir site last week, to outline how our proposed 20MW green hydrogen project can complement the consented Selms Muir Solar Farm to drive the decarbonisation of key sectors in West Lothian and Central Scotland. 'Having been shortlisted for HAR2 funding earlier this year, we are now working with DESNZ on the next phase of the process, and we look forward to continued engagement with local people and industries as the project progresses'. Kevin Selleslags, Hygen CEO, added: 'The Selms Muir project is a key part of a long-awaited, nationwide hydrogen supply network and the visit from Gregor recognises the importance both of this scheme and of the role hydrogen will play in our journey to net zero. 'This project is unique in its ambition. It will enable deployment of the UK's first fully zero-carbon municipal bus fleet, while simultaneously enabling the business case for the delivery of a fully-consented renewable energy project.'
Scotsman
7 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Gregor Poynton MP backs green hydrogen investment with visit to Selms Muir project site
Gregor Poynton, MP for the Livingston constituency, visited the proposed site of the Selms Muir Green Hydrogen Project near Livingston to show his continued support for the landmark clean energy development. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Accompanied by representatives from Hygen and European Energy, the joint venture behind the project, Mr Poynton was briefed on plans for a 20-megawatt green hydrogen electrolyser co-located with the already consented Selms Muir Solar Farm. The innovative development, shortlisted in the UK Government's Second Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR2), would produce up to six tonnes of low-carbon hydrogen a day and play a key role in decarbonising transport and construction across West Lothian and Central Scotland. Speaking after the site visit, Mr Poynton said: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Gregor Poynton MP visiting the Selms Muir site in the Livingston constituency 'This is exactly the kind of ambitious, job-creating green infrastructure West Lothian and the Livingston constituency needs. The Selms Muir project has the potential to power our buses and construction sites, drive us towards clean energy by 2030, and create skilled local employment in the process. 'I'm pleased to be backing this project in Westminster and in the constituency and will keep pressing Ministers to ensure hydrogen funding decisions are made on time so that this vital development can move forward.' The project team confirmed that work is progressing with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) on final due diligence, and that discussions with potential offtakers including Lothian Buses, JCB and Wrightbus are already under way. By pairing on-site solar power with hydrogen production, Selms Muir aims to demonstrate how locally generated renewable electricity can support the decarbonisation of sectors that are traditionally hard to electrify. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Selms Muir site has consent for the solar farm and is awaiting confirmation of HAR2 funding for the hydrogen site from the UK Government The development could reach Final Investment Decision shortly after a successful HAR2 outcome and be operational within two years. The project also aligns with the UK Government's 10GW hydrogen target and the Scottish Government's net zero commitments. Mark Evans, European Energy Vice-President for UK & Ireland, said: 'We were delighted to welcome Mr Poynton to the Selms Muir site last week, to outline how our proposed 20MW green hydrogen project can complement the consented Selms Muir Solar Farm to drive the decarbonisation of key sectors in West Lothian and Central Scotland. 'Having been shortlisted for HAR2 funding earlier this year, we are now working with DESNZ on the next phase of the process, and we look forward to continued engagement with local people and industries as the project progresses'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Gregor Poynton MP met with representatives from Hygen and European Energy who are jointly working on the project. Kevin Selleslags, Hygen CEO, said it was good to get support from Gregor Poynton MP. 'The Selms Muir project is a key part of a long-awaited, nationwide hydrogen supply network and the visit from Gregor recognises the importance both of this scheme and of the role hydrogen will play in our journey to net zero,' he said. 'This project is unique in its ambition. It will enable deployment of the UK's first fully zero-carbon municipal bus fleet, while simultaneously enabling the business case for the delivery of a fully-consented renewable energy project.' Mr Poynton has previously written to Minister of State for Industry Sarah Jones MP to advocate for the project, and has committed to further pressing DESNZ on timeline commitments and support for transport-sector hydrogen in the forthcoming UK Hydrogen Strategy refresh.
Daily Record
28-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
'Positive response' from Minister to Livingston MP's letter of support for hydrogen project
Competition is fierce with 87 applications but just 27 shortlisted Livingston's MP received a 'positive response' from the Minister of State for Industry to a letter he sent backing the Selms Muir Hydrogen Project. The project was one of 87 applications to the UK Government for selection in the Second Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR2). From those only 27 projects across the UK are shortlisted. Gregor Poynton MP received a response from Industry Minister, Sarah Jones MP at the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero, thanking him for writing in support of the Livingston project and confirming continued engagement during the next stage of the HAR2 process. The Minister outlined that HAR2 is a highly competitive round, with 87 initial applications competing for support, of which only 27 projects across England, Scotland and Wales have been shortlisted. The selection process has focused on project deliverability, portfolio diversity and value-for-money factors, with particular consideration given to cost, scale, location and supply to hard-to-abate sectors. The Selms Muir Hydrogen Project, a partnership between hydrogen developer Hygen and renewable energy leader European Energy, will deliver a 20MW electrolyser hub co-located with the Selms Muir Solar Farm. The project has the potential to power buses, construction equipment, and heavy vehicles across West Lothian, supporting the UK's ambitious goal of 10GW of low-carbon hydrogen production by 2030. Gregor Poynton MP said: 'I'm pleased to receive this positive response from Minister Sarah Jones MP regarding the Selms Muir Hydrogen Project. While the competition is fierce with 87 applications for just 27 shortlisted projects, I'm continuing to make the case to Ministers for this tremendous local project. 'The Selms Muir project represents exactly the kind of innovative, green technology investment that West Lothian needs. With its potential to produce six tonnes of low-carbon hydrogen daily and support decarbonisation across West Lothian's transport and industry sectors, this project could bring significant jobs and investment to our constituency. 'I welcome the government's recognition of hydrogen's key role in delivering our Clean Energy Superpower mission and net zero commitments. I'll continue advocating strongly for Selms Muir throughout the process, as I believe this project demonstrates the deliverability, value for money, and strategic importance that the government is looking for.' The Selms Muir Hydrogen Project is now undergoing the due diligence and cost assessment phase, where projects must continue to demonstrate deliverability, affordability, and value for money throughout the process.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Organizers cancel Sailfest
New London — The annual Sailfest event that brought hundreds of thousands of visitors downtown for the last 45 years has been cancelled due to city budget issues, festival organizer Barbara Neff said Wednesday. But Mayor Michael Passero contends Neff made the decision before other options were fully explored. Early Tuesday night, Passero said the popular fireworks display would continue as he had spoken with Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Chairman Rodney Butler, who assured him the tribe would continue to fund the show. Neff, executive director of the Downtown New London Association, said she was told Tuesday by city officials no money would be available to cover the estimated $200,000 needed to pay for police, firefighter and public works overtime during the festival. Neff said she was stunned by the news as contracts for vendors and entertainment — including the popular fireworks display — had already been agreed to in many cases. 'Now I need to get on the phone and tell these people and companies it's not happening,' Neff said. 'We don't have the money to cover the lost funding.' But Passero said Wednesday the city didn't cancel Sailfest, Neff did after learning the city was not in a position this year to help subsidize the event. He said the city, facing a possible $2.5 million shortfall in state funding, is combing through every department budget to 'scratch out places to save.' 'If we're in a position where we have to cut positions, how can we justify using money for a street festival?' Passero said, who noted he was not at the meeting between Neff, city Chief Administrative Officer Steve Fields and Finance Director David McBride, during which festival costs were discussed. 'But we did not cancel the festival; this is a decision made by (Neff).' A formal statement issued by Passero's administration Wednesday afternoon states the Tuesday meeting between Neff and city staff focused on how increased public safety needs would be funded. 'Instead of engaging in weighing options, the organizer decided to cancel the festival admitting it was time,' the statement read. Security concerns Passero said he's also been worried for years about security at the event. In 2006, an elderly driver struck a crowd of attendees, injuring about two dozen people. He said the tragedy in New Orleans on New Year's Day, when 14 people were killed when a driver plowed through a celebrating crowd, has made him even more nervous. 'I think we'd have to put tens of thousands more into security before I'd feel good,' he said. In 2023, the summertime festival, which ran for decades Friday through Sunday, was shortened to exclude Friday due to police and other manpower issues. Neff said the festival serves as a much-needed source of revenue for downtown shops and restaurants after a winter shopping slump. 'They can make as much in two days as they did in January, February and March,' she said. 'And it's not just the businesses in the immediate area. There're places like the Hygenic Art and beverage distributors like F & F who will be affected.' Sal D'Angelo, owner of the Blue Duck & Bar on Bank Street, called Sailfest his 'biggest days of the year.' 'Last year on that Saturday we had 1,020 people come in, compared to 300 the next week,' he said. 'I spend a lot of time with my chef working out how to handle the volume and making sure we're offering the best service.' D'Angelo said it's not just his staff affected by the cancellation. 'There's DJs and bands booked ahead of time,' he said. 'We're going to try and come up with something ourselves that weekend that brings people in.' In her statement announcing the cancellation, Neff said the city will host three other fireworks displays this year sponsored by Foxwoods Resort Casino.
