Port of Southampton targeted for a flag-ship UK hydrogen hub

Plans to explore the potential for a hydrogen super-hub in the Port of Southampton have been confirmed, following a funding commitment from gas network company SGN and Macquarie’s Green Investment Group (GIG). The partners have commissioned engineering consultancy WSP to prepare a feasibility study investigating opportunities to decarbonise local industry and transport, and create a centre of excellence for hydrogen production and distribution on the south coast through carbon capture and hydrogen-based technologies.

Southampton is one of six major industrial clusters identified by the UK Government, with a diverse mix of large energy users, heavy transport needs and one of the UK’s largest and busiest ports. Southampton emits around 2.6 million tonnes of CO₂ from various industrial activities, and customers connected to SGN’s network for heat. A scheme incorporating carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS) technology could reduce these emissions, and further decarbonisation of highly polluting activities could be achieved through localised hydrogen production.

“We’re at the forefront of hydrogen exploration and Southampton could easily become a world benchmark for decarbonising whole industrial areas. That would bring cleaner air, large numbers of jobs, and new economic opportunities in hydrogen production and export.”

Gus McIntosh
Director of Energy Futures, SGN

Industrial clusters embracing CCUS and hydrogen networks can play an important role in local decarbonisation strategies. Once established, the Southampton hub could provide a platform to decarbonise transport and domestic heating in the south of England and play an important role in delivering Southampton’s commitments set out in its Green City Charter.

“The UK has been a global leader in the deployment of new energy technologies, and is now pushing for a full economy transition backed by bold partnerships between the public and private sectors. We believe that we can play an important role in accelerating this transition by looking for new opportunities to support innovative emerging technologies like hydrogen.”

Ed Northam
Head of GIG Europe

The UK is poised to take a global leadership role in the development of hydrogen technology and CCUS, as a package of measures to support the transition to a net zero economy by 2050 or earlier. The recent government ‘Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution’ confirmed a number of areas and funding commitments designed to explore green energy opportunities such as hydrogen and incentivise private sector investment to back new solutions to decarbonise heat, industry and transport. 

A clear understanding of the potential to decarbonise industrial emissions will follow a six-month programme of engagement with local stakeholders, undertaken by engineering consultancy WSP.

“This study will help us understand the potential to decarbonise the Southampton Water industrial cluster through the use of hydrogen and carbon capture. The government has signalled their keenness for hydrogen and CCUS to be explored at pace and we’re delighted to be supporting SGN and GIG on this project.”

Ben Clarke
Head of Gas Networks, WSP