RWE, a prominent electricity generator in the UK and a key player in the renewable energy sector, has joined forces with Haltermann Carless, a leading provider of hydrocarbon-based products and solvents. Together, they have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development of a green hydrogen plant in Harwich, located in Essex, southeastern UK.

The proposed plant is set to be erected on land within the Haltermann Carless industrial site, which serves as a pivotal production hub for various products catering to Agrochemicals and Fuel Additives sectors. Haltermann Carless Harwich is committed to fostering sustainable practices, actively contributing to greenhouse gas emissions reduction. This commitment extends to future endeavors such as the production of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) from the Harwich site.

The envisioned green hydrogen plant represents a significant step towards this goal. Upon completion, the plant's clean hydrogen output could facilitate a reduction in CO2 emissions while enabling the sustainable production of a broader spectrum of products.

Both RWE and Haltermann Carless have conducted feasibility studies for the installation of a green electrolyser at the site. Currently, efforts are underway to evaluate grid and water connections essential for advancing the project.

Nicole Tang, Hydrogen Project Development Manager at RWE, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting the potential of the electrolyser plant to not only generate green hydrogen but also create local job opportunities, foster supply chain development, and provide a greener, more sustainable fuel alternative for industrial users in the vicinity.

Keith Mead, Sustainability Manager at HCS, underscored the significance of hydrogen, particularly electrolytic (green) hydrogen, in realizing the sustainability objectives outlined in Haltermann Carless's Sustainability Strategy. He emphasized the pivotal role of the partnership with RWE in driving forward this ambitious project, which not only secures local employment opportunities but also aligns with the company's long-term goals of reducing CO2 emissions and effecting portfolio transformation.

The Harwich site's proximity to the Freeport East area aligns seamlessly with the UK government's levelling up agenda and underscores its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions targets. This strategic location not only presents economic and employment prospects but also fosters the development of clean energy technologies. Notably, the Green Energy Hub at Harwich (Bathside Bay) is at the forefront of advancing clean energy initiatives, supporting large-scale manufacturing of offshore wind turbines and components. It also serves as the operational base for RWE's Galloper windfarm.

RWE's extensive presence in the UK's energy landscape positions it as a key player in the renewable energy transition. The company boasts a diverse operational generation portfolio encompassing onshore wind, offshore wind, hydro, biomass, and gas. With a commitment to green hydrogen initiatives, RWE is actively pursuing approximately 1GW of hydrogen opportunities across the UK. Drawing upon its wealth of expertise and experience, exemplified by its leadership in the 300-megawatt GET H2 project at Lingen, RWE aims to develop 2GW of green hydrogen electrolyser capacity in its core markets by 2030.