Through the Hydrogen Sponsor Challenge, Ambition North Wales aims to kick-start the hydrogen economy by appointing an organisation to deliver a hydrogen hub in the region.
The hub will include both the production and use of hydrogen, with up to £11.2 million in capital funding available to enable demand and help organisations switch from fossil fuels to hydrogen.
Anglesey Council Leader, Cllr Llinos Medi, who is also the Lead Member of the Low Carbon Energy programme on the Economic Ambition Board; said
“Hydrogen is a vital part of our efforts as we transition to a low carbon economy. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious large-scale project to receive substantial funding and deliver a development which will strengthen North Wales’s position as a critical player in this sector.”
“As well as aligning with national Government strategies such as the Welsh Government Hydrogen Pathway and the UK Government’s Hydrogen Strategy and British Energy Security Strategy – a new hub will go a long way to ensuring we achieve our net zero targets and make a significant difference to the region.”
She added, "Synergies between this proposed hub, other hydrogen and net zero developments across North Wales will be essential to maximise supply chain and employment opportunities."
Alwen Williams, Portfolio Director at Ambition North Wales, added:
“North Wales has significant clusters of industry, particularly in Wrexham and Deeside, and close cross-border links, with access to the motorway network, international airports, and the port of Holyhead, with its recently acquired freeport status.
“I would urge any organisations with the potential to meet the required criteria to apply to work with us to deliver what will be an important project regionally and nationally. It’s a great opportunity to promote and establish hydrogen as a clean alternative to fossil fuels. Our goal through this project is to enable our local industries and businesses to transition to hydrogen and be future customers of this exciting new hub development.”
The successful sponsor must provide a business case for a low-carbon hydrogen hub in North Wales. By 2030 the hydrogen hub should be operational and include production and use of hydrogen.
Applications are now open. The process is open to organisations which will design and deliver the project on behalf of Ambition North Wales.
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