ONE of the UK’s largest, state-of-the-art hydrogen power sites is set to be built in Bradford after receiving Government funding.

The multi-million-pound scheme will now be built on Northern Gas Networks’ Birkshall site - the same place that served gas to people across the district almost 100 years ago.

With fossil fuels being phased out of the vehicle industry in the coming decade, hydrogen power is seen as one of the possible new clean energy sources that could take its place.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The Northern Gas Networks Birkshall site on Peace Street, adjacent to Bowling Back Lane.The Northern Gas Networks Birkshall site on Peace Street, adjacent to Bowling Back Lane. (Image: Newsquest, Mike Simmonds)

The joint venture - between N-Gen Energy Solutions Limited (N-Gen), Hygen Energy Holdings and Ryze Hydrogen - will use renewable energy to power an electrolyser which produces green hydrogen.

There will be a hydrogen vehicle refuelling station for local buses and public and private sector fleets.

Businesses and other users in West Yorkshire will also be able to use the refuelling facilities, with distribution experts Ryze Energy delivering hydrogen to industrial users across the region.

The funding, taken from the Government’s hydrogen production business model/net zero hydrogen fund, will now help take the project forward.

Construction is hoped to commence around mid-2024 and be operational by 2025.

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council said, “This hydrogen facility in Bradford will be the UK’s first ever dual energy Zero Emission refuelling station catering for both battery electric and hydrogen refuelling electric vehicles.

“Tackling climate change is important to Bradford whilst at the same time building a sustainable and prosperous economy that works in the interests of everyone and minimises waste and the use of finite natural resources.

“Research shows that clean growth could add £11bn to the city region economy and create 100,000 extra skilled jobs for local people and we want Bradford to be part of this new industrial revolution.”

The hydrogen production and dispensing project is currently subject to consideration of any planning application by the relevant planning panel.

Jamie Burns, director at Hygen, said: “This project will not just produce low carbon hydrogen for Bradford and the surrounding area, but will also provide a blueprint for how complex projects like this can be delivered, boosting the hydrogen and green economies of the UK.  

“We very much hope that this project will be replicated in other cities across the UK.”

Gareth Mills, Managing Director at N-Gen, added: “This is an important and exciting project, not just for Bradford, but also for the wider area and the community that lives here, so we are delighted to now have financial backing from Government to allow us to start work on the site.

“Bradford Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and we believe this facility will play an important role in helping the area deliver on its climate change ambitions.”