Investment Attraction

Carlton Power, a leading energy infrastructure development company in the UK, is spearheading the Trafford Green Hydrogen scheme, which aims to establish Greater Manchester’s first low-carbon hydrogen fuel hub with a capacity of 200MW. The project is pivotal in helping the region meet its net zero target by 2038, as well as contributing to the UK's broader goal of achieving net zero by 2050. Eric Adams, the Project Director, emphasizes the importance of securing land, grid connections, and planning permissions, alongside establishing relationships with potential hydrogen offtakers in industry and transport sectors. This proactive engagement is crucial for ensuring that when hydrogen production begins, there will be customers ready to utilize it.

The Trafford location is particularly advantageous due to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority's (GMCA) commitment to a 2038 net zero target, which has galvanized local businesses to pursue low-carbon initiatives. The supportive policy framework and the local authority's backing for low carbon energy projects have created an environment conducive to the development of the hydrogen economy. The Trafford Green Hydrogen project is set to deliver its first supply of low carbon hydrogen by 2025, enabling local businesses to transition to net zero more rapidly. This initiative not only provides immediate benefits but also serves as a model to de-risk the hydrogen economy, encouraging further adoption of low carbon hydrogen solutions among businesses.

In collaboration with local industry partners, Carlton Power aims to facilitate their transition to net zero by providing a reliable supply of low carbon hydrogen, which is essential for their operations. The project is designed to support partners both technically and commercially, ensuring they have the necessary resources to decarbonize effectively. Additionally, the initiative is expected to create direct job opportunities for operating the electrolysis plant and will foster partnerships with educational institutions like Manchester Metropolitan University to develop sustainable skills for the hydrogen sector.

A significant milestone for the project has been securing planning permission for the electrolyser at Trafford Low Carbon Energy Park, marking it as the largest consented hydrogen scheme in the UK. The next critical step involves the competitive bidding process for government funding, with expectations to hear about the shortlisting in early 2023. Successful funding will enable construction to commence in October 2023, further solidifying the project's role in advancing the hydrogen economy in Greater Manchester.