PLANS for a low carbon hydrogen production and dispensing facility in the heart of Bradford have been shortlisted for Government funding.

The project – which is a partnership between gas distributor Northern Gas Networks and clean energy pioneers Hygen Energy (Hygen) and Ryze Hydrogen – will be built on Northern Gas Networks’ decommissioned gas storage site on Bowling Back Lane.

It is one of 20 projects shortlisted under the Hydrogen Business Model/Net Zero Hydrogen Fund announced today.

This fund is aiming to award contracts totalling up to 250MW of capacity, and also wants to award contracts in the final quarter of 2023, with the first projects becoming operational in 2025.

The Bowling Back Lane plans will support the delivery of one of the UK’s largest low carbon hydrogen production facilities, with a clear objective of using renewable energy to power an electrolyser which will produce clean hydrogen.

It will also have on-site refuelling for hydrogen vehicles, EV charging and a low carbon technology education centre. 

Residents and businesses from across West Yorkshire will be able to use the refuelling facilities, with Ryze distributing hydrogen to industrial users across the region.  

Gareth Mills, Regulation and Strategic Planning Director at Northern Gas Networks, said that being shortlisted for Government funding marked a major milestone for the plans, which he added could be vital for the local area.

“This is an important step for this exciting project,” he said.

“Northern Gas Networks has long been committed to supporting the role of hydrogen in the low carbon energy system of the future.

“Hydrogen has a key role in ensuring that customers continue to receive choice in the type of energy they use and for many in our region, provide a practical and cost-effective way to decarbonise their energy needs.”

Andrew Newman, Managing Director of Hygen, also welcomed the news, and highlighted the importance of teams working collaboratively.

“Today’s announcement recognises the importance of this scheme,” he said.

“The hydrogen economy of tomorrow cannot be delivered by companies working in isolation on their own projects.

“Success will require multiple stakeholders to come together to share their expertise to deliver the best possible projects.”

The only other Yorkshire project shortlisted for funding was Aldbrough Hydrogen Pathfinder, in the East Riding, which is led by developer SSE Thermal.

The other projects shortlisted are based across England, Scotland and Wales.