Bradford Low Carbon Hydrogen recently announced a major milestone: the signing of a government contract that will provide funding for the construction of a flagship hydrogen production facility in Bradford. The funding also subsidises the hydrogen produced on-site, allowing it to be sold at a price comparable to fossil fuels.
Overview
Birkshall gas site, off Bowling Back Lane, is being transformed into a clean energy hub, with the construction of the one of the UK’s largest low carbon hydrogen production, storage and refuelling facilities.
Preparatory works are underway with the build due to start in 2026 and hydrogen available for businesses in Bradford and the West Yorkshire region from late 2027.
Hydrogen does not contain carbon, making it compatible with the region’s ambition to be an environmental leader.
Ten projects have secured a government contract to date, with Bradford being the largest.
Enough hydrogen will be produced daily to fuel 800 buses.
Investment into Bradford from clean energy, joint venture partners N-Gen Energy Solutions and Hygen Energy.
Supported by Bradford Council.
Check out the
project video
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How the pricing works
The government is stimulating the hydrogen industry in the same way support was provided for other renewable energy, such as wind. By providing hydrogen producers with ‘Contracts for Difference’ for a 15 year period, customers can access low carbon hydrogen at a rate of which is comparable to diesel, petrol or natural gas today with the price tracking those fuels
Interested in learning more?If you're part of a business or organisation in the region and are interested in improving climate credentials and using hydrogen instead of natural gas, diesel or petrol, register your interest in a webinar and we’ll contact you once we’ve planned a date.
Hydrogen can be used in vehicles in place of petrol or diesel or as a replacement for natural gas in industry. Unlike fossil fuels it does not contain carbon, making it more environmentally friendly. It is particularly suitable for application where electrification is tricky, for example heavier vehicles such as buses, HGVs and construction equipment. It is also compatible with industrial processes requiring high temperature heat or heat from a a flame and when energy storage is critical.
Meet the Project Directors
Tim Harwood started out as an apprentice in the gas industry over 40 years ago and used to visit Birkskall in Bradford to check the gas holders. Fast forward over 40 years and he said “It’s a privilege to now be returning to Birkshall to deliver this trailblazing scheme. It’s great to be able to use the skills and expertise developed over a long career to be part of the energy transition in my home city of Bradford”
Becca Neill has been involved with the Bradford project since the beginning, including writing the first bid, and will continue to play a pivotal role through to operation. She said “It’s brilliant to be working on a project which will be one of the first to put a spade in the ground and its great, as an engineer, to be using my skills to make things better in the world, and to contribute to a reduction in our carbon usage.”
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