RWE, the UK’s leading electricity generator and one of the country’s leading renewable energy companies, and Haltermann Carless, a leading supplier of hydrocarbon-based products and solvents, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together to develop a green H₂ plant in Harwich, in Essex, in the Southeast of the UK.

The plant would be built on land that forms part of the Haltermann Carless industrial site in Harwich. Haltermann Carless Harwich is a key production site, manufacturing a range of products for Agrochemicals and Fuel Additives businesses. The company is driving the development of sustainable products contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, which includes the future production of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) from the Harwich site.

Once developed and constructed, the clean H₂ produced from the Harwich electrolyzer could enable the company to reduce its CO₂ emissions and sustainably produce a wider range of products. Both RWE and Haltermann Carless have completed feasibility studies for a green electrolyzer at the site and work is underway to assess both grid and water connections to enable the project to progress.

Nicole Tang, H₂ Project Development Manager, RWE said, “We are delighted to be working with Haltermann Carless, our MoU marks the start of a very exciting project. Not only could this electrolyzer plant produce green H₂, but it would provide local jobs, significant supply chain opportunities, and a greener more sustainable H₂ fuel for industrial users in the area.”

Keith Mead, Sustainability Manager, HCS said, “As we embarked upon our sustainability strategy it very quickly became clear that H₂, and, in particular, electrolytic (green) H₂, would need to be part of the fundamental shift that enabled the twin HCS objectives of reducing CO₂ emissions and delivering portfolio change. We are very pleased to be working with RWE to bring such an ambitious and exciting project to the area thus securing local, highly skilled jobs now and for the future.”