RES and Octopus Energy Generation's joint venture, Hyro, has recently presented a planning application to Flintshire County Council for a green hydrogen project in Wales. Named the “Coleshill Green Hydrogen Project,” this initiative is one of two projects to be established on existing Kimberly-Clark sites, intended to facilitate the deployment of reliable and cost-competitive green power solutions for industrial businesses.
The proposed Coleshill Green Hydrogen Project will include an electrolyser and storage facility located near Kimberly-Clark's Coleshill paper mill, situated off Aber Road in Flint. The primary purpose of this project is to produce green hydrogen, which will then fuel a new hydrogen-ready boiler positioned within the paper mill.
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By integrating the new hydrogen boiler, the project aims to replace the current natural gas-fueled boiler that generates the steam and heat required for the paper manufacturing process at the Coleshill mill. This transition to green hydrogen represents a crucial step towards decarbonizing industrial businesses and addressing the challenges of electrifying hard-to-reach sectors. It is expected to provide a cost-competitive and environmentally friendly fuel option for the future.
Iain Buchanan, Development Project Manager for the Coleshill Green Hydrogen Project, emphasized the significance of green hydrogen initiatives in the broader strategy of enhancing energy security and fostering green economic growth across Wales and the UK.
Oriol Margo, Sustainability Transformation Leader at Kimberly-Clark EMEA, expressed enthusiasm for the development at their Coleshill Site in Flint and the partnership with Hyro, highlighting its potential to advance their goal of transitioning to 100% renewable energy for manufacturing their renowned brands, including Andrex, Kleenex, Huggies, WypAll, and Scott, in the UK by 2030.
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Prior to submitting the planning application, Hyro conducted a pre-application consultation (PAC) in April and May 2023. This process allowed specific statutory consultees and members of the public to review the project's details, ask questions, and provide feedback. The comments received during the PAC were carefully examined by Hyro, influencing the final design presented in the planning application.
The Coleshill Green Hydrogen Project's submission represents a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to embrace sustainable energy solutions and reduce carbon emissions in the industrial sector. If approved, the project could mark a pivotal milestone in Wales' and the UK's journey towards a greener and more resilient energy future.
