A major new "green energy project" for the Hull area has been given planning permission
It's for a low carbon hydrogen plant
Norwegian company Equinor wants to build the 600 mega watt facility on land at Saltend chemicals park just east of the city.
It will create low carbon hydrogen and use carbon capture extracting Co2 from below the sea.
It's said it will be able to capture around 900 tonnes per year, which is thought to be the equivalent of taking half a million cars off the road annually.
It's expected Equinor will now apply for a Government project which will select decarbonisation projects connecting with infrastructure.
Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance Lord Callanan said:
“I am pleased that H2H Saltend has been granted planning permission, a vital step forward in decarbonising the Humber while delivering jobs and growth to the region.
“CCUS clusters will be the starting point for a new industry in the UK, which is why we’ve committed up to £20 billion in early support and expect to bring forward 4GW of low carbon hydrogen production by 2030.”
Derek Ho, H2H Saltend Project Director, said:
“We are delighted to receive planning permission for this key project which could help to kick-start multiple decarbonisation initiatives in the Humber, a vital region with a long-standing history for Equinor. It is an important first step in creating a low carbon hydrogen economy and achieving net zero in the Humber, safeguarding local industries and creating greater opportunities including new jobs and skills, whilst helping the UK to tackle climate change.
“This decision comes at a very opportune moment, as we await the launch of the Government’s next phase of the Cluster Sequencing process for the Humber, and it puts H2H Saltend in a strong position, should we submit a bid.”
Anne Handley, Leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, added:
“This is an important decision not only for this project but also for this region. We welcome major energy projects from global companies like Equinor, which help to demonstrate the ability of our area to attract investment, leading to more jobs, supply chain contracts and opportunities for local people. We should be proud that East Yorkshire can be a leading light in the transition to a net zero economy.”