Kent secures detailed engineering contract for UK's first large-scale, low-carbon hydrogen project

Kent announced the signing of a significant contract with ENKA for the detailed engineering of the low-carbon hydrogen production plant (HPP1) at the Stanlow Manufacturing Complex in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire. The project is being developed for Essar Energy Transition (EET) Hydrogen, formerly known as Vertex Hydrogen Ltd.

This groundbreaking project is at the forefront of the UK’s energy and industrial decarbonisation strategy, with the UK Government announcing in October 2024 that funding had been secured to support HPP1 as the country’s first large-scale low-carbon hydrogen production facility, forming the core of the Hynet Cluster. HPP1 will have a production capacity of 350MW and is expected to capture approximately 600,000 tonnes of CO2 annually—equivalent to removing around 250,000 cars from the road.

With the award of this contract Kent reinforces its capability of delivering large and complex projects in the UK and Europe. Usman Darr, Managing Director of Engineering & Consultancy UK at Kent commented:

“We are proud to partner with ENKA and EET in delivering the HPP1 project, the first of its size and type in the UK. This is such an important project in the UK’s transition to low-carbon fuels, reducing emissions from heavy industrial users. Kent has been a long-term partner in the development of the HyNet cluster, having delivered concept, pre-FEED, and FEED stages of HPP1. We also provided technical and consents advisory services, playing a key role in shaping the project’s early phases. Now, as the project moves into execution, we are bringing our proven expertise in delivering complex projects to ensure its success.”

Hakan Kozan, Member of the Executive Committee from ENKA stated, “We are delighted to be working with Kent as the HPP1 project moves into this critical phase. Their expertise and dedication have been invaluable throughout the development process, and we look forward to their continued contribution to delivering the UK’s first large-scale low-carbon hydrogen production plant.”

HPP1 represents a significant milestone in the UK’s hydrogen strategy, aligning with the targets of the UK Hydrogen Industry, the HyNet Cluster, and EET Hydrogen to achieve 4GW of low-carbon hydrogen production. Once operational, the hydrogen produced by HPP1 will be supplied to industrial businesses in the North West of England, helping to decarbonise operations, protect jobs, and drive economic growth in the region.

Kent’s role in delivering the detailed engineering for HPP1 underscores its commitment to advancing low-carbon energy solutions and contributing to the UK’s net-zero ambitions.