Plans unveiled for new hydrogen production plant in North Lincolnshire
The plant would be built on backfilled quarry land adjacent to Melton Ross Quarry
A new hydrogen production plant could soon join North Lincolnshire’s growing portfolio of green energy projects, as Centrica Energy Storage has submitted an environmental impact screening request to North Lincolnshire Council for a proposed 10MW facility north of the A18.
The plant would be built on backfilled quarry land adjacent to Melton Ross Quarry, between Barnetby-le-Wold and Kirmington, and would supply clean hydrogen fuel to Singleton Birch’s kiln at the neighbouring quarry - one of the UK’s leading lime suppliers.
Using electrolysis, the process of splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity, the facility aims to provide a low-carbon alternative fuel source, helping to decarbonise local industry.
Construction is expected to take between four and eight months, and the site will not involve the loss of agricultural land. A short new access road off the A18 will be created, alongside a pipeline linking the hydrogen plant to Singleton Birch’s kiln.
The project has been shortlisted for the Government’s Hydrogen Allocation Round 2 (HAR2) scheme, which provides funding for emerging hydrogen production projects across the UK.
If approved, the facility would add to a growing cluster of hydrogen developments across northern Lincolnshire.
'World-first'
Earlier this year, Air Products’ Immingham Green Energy Terminal received government planning consent, paving the way for a green hydrogen production facility and a new 1.1km jetty and ammonia import terminal.
Elsewhere, the Keadby Next Generation Power Station, proposed by SSE and Equinor, could become the world’s first hydrogen-fuelled power station with a capacity of 900MW. The project could be operational by 2030, pending government approval.
Meanwhile, at Killingholme Power Station, Uniper Hydrogen UK Limited is developing the Humber H2ub, another low-carbon hydrogen production project also shortlisted for HAR2. The hydrogen produced there would supply the Phillips 66 Humber Refinery four kilometres away.
An environmental screening request marks one of the earliest stages of the planning process for energy developments, preceding a formal planning application and public consultation.
Singleton Birch has long been associated with industrial innovation. The company has previously worked with Origen, an Oxford University spin-out, to develop a pilot plant for zero-carbon lime production at its Melton Ross Quarry site.
If given the green light, Centrica’s latest proposal could represent another major step in positioning North Lincolnshire as a key hub for hydrogen innovation and clean energy production.