Australian technology company Hazer Group has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with UK-based EnergyPathways to evaluate the development of a hydrogen production facility in northwest England.
The proposed facility would produce 20,000 tonnes of hydrogen per year and be integrated into EnergyPathways’ Marram Energy Storage Hub (MESH) project, a large-scale infrastructure initiative aimed at delivering low-cost, low-carbon energy to the UK.
The project will also assess the potential production of ammonia and graphite using Hazer’s methane pyrolysis technology, Hazer said in a news release.
Hazer CEO and Managing Director Glenn Corrie said the collaboration demonstrates increasing global interest in methane pyrolysis as a scalable clean hydrogen pathway.
“We are delighted to be working with the experienced team at EnergyPathways to integrate Hazer’s technology into the strategic MESH infrastructure project to provide the UK with a secure supply of affordable, low carbon energy and products,” Corrie said.
“This collaboration reflects the growing global momentum behind methane pyrolysis as a scalable clean hydrogen pathway and highlights Hazer’s role in supporting industrial decarbonisation both in the UK and internationally.”
Under the terms of the MOU, Hazer and EnergyPathways will work towards a binding agreement to carry out concept engineering studies.
These studies will inform the technical design of the proposed facility and determine its feasibility, including possible hydrogen, ammonia, and graphite outputs.
Hazer also The studies will leverage Hazer’s ongoing strategic alliance with global engineering firm KBR, which focuses on integrating Hazer’s technology into ammonia production systems.
Following the completion of the studies, both parties will evaluate whether to move forward with front-end engineering and design (FEED). Hazer has granted EnergyPathways a 12-month period of limited exclusivity to use its technology in the UK while this phase is underway.
EnergyPathways CEO Ben Clube said the MOU is an important step forward in the company’s clean energy ambitions.
“The MOU with Hazer that leverages their strategic alliance with KBR is a significant milestone for the Company’s plans to provide the UK with affordable, reliable low-carbon energy and energy products,” Clube said.
“The Company plans to develop a large-scale clean hydrogen production facility that will bolt onto its MESH integrated storage project, enabling the Company to deliver what we think will be lowest-cost clean hydrogen production in the UK.”
Clube added that the project has the potential to support the decarbonisation of future gas development projects in the UK and contribute to the country’s broader net-zero goals. “We look forward to progressing the studies associated with this MOU through the scoping phase as we assess feasibility,” he said.
The MESH project, located off the Lancashire coast, is positioned to connect with the UK’s national electricity grid, gas grid, and the developing “Project Union” hydrogen gas grid.
