Gas distributor Northern Gas Networks (NGN) is planning to open a low carbon hydrogen production and dispensing facility in Bradford.

NGN, the gas distributor for the North East, Cumbria and much of Yorkshire, is carrying out the project in a joint venture with Hygen Energy Holdings and Ryze Hydrogen.

The project will be built on a decommissioned gas storage site in the region. It will deliver one of the UK’s largest low carbon hydrogen production facilities, using renewable energy to power an electrolyser which will produce clean hydrogen.

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

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

Gareth Mills, regulation and strategic planning director at NGN, said: “We are delighted to be working on this project with Hygen and Ryze.  

“NGN 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. We have deployed a number of demonstration projects across our network, including supplying 700 homes near Gateshead with blended hydrogen for heating and cooking.

“It is exciting for us to see one of our conventional gas storage sites that has been serving the people of Bradford since the early 20th century, now being converted into a hydrogen facility for the 21st century. I would like to say a particular thank you to Bradford Council whose ambition and vision for their region has allowed us collectively to develop the hydrogen hub concept.

“We know hydrogen can play a role in decarbonising all energy types including transport, and producing green hydrogen is central to this, so we’re really excited to work with Hygen and Ryze, with the support of Bradford Council to deliver such an exciting initiative.”