Hazer Group Ltd has announced that its UK partner, EnergyPathways plc, has secured recognition from the UK Government for the Marram Energy Storage Hub (MESH) as a project of national significance.
The designation, made under the UK’s Planning Act 2008, grants MESH access to streamlined planning processes typically reserved for major energy infrastructure projects, Hazer said in an ASX announcement.
According to Hazer, the status enhances opportunities for the integration of its clean hydrogen technology within the development.
Hazer and EnergyPathways signed a Memorandum of Understanding in July to assess the potential development of a 20,000 tonne per annum clean hydrogen facility at MESH.
The project, located in northwest England, aims to combine long-duration energy storage, low-carbon power generation, hydrogen production, and critical mineral supply.
Hazer said it has defined the scope of a feasibility study to evaluate hydrogen, ammonia, and graphite production within the project. The companies are now finalising the study’s scope and associated commercial terms.
Hazer Managing Director and CEO, Glenn Corrie, described the development as an important step for the collaboration.
“This is a significant milestone for our UK partner EnergyPathways and underlines the strong support from the UK Government for projects that can deliver clean, secure and affordable energy,” Corrie said.
“The recognition of MESH as nationally significant provides momentum for the project and enhances the opportunity for Hazer’s technology to be integrated into what we believe could become one of the UK’s most important energy hubs.”
EnergyPathways CEO, Ben Clube, said the designation represented a key advancement for the project.
“The UK Government’s recognition of MESH as nationally significant is a landmark moment for our project and the UK’s energy transition,” Clube said.
“MESH is designed to tackle some of the biggest challenges in the energy system today, and with partners like Hazer, we see the potential to establish one of the country’s most important clean energy hubs.”
According to Hazer, the UK Government’s energy policy framework has expressed support for methane pyrolysis as a potential clean-energy pathway, noting its role in decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors and reducing scope-3 emissions.
The content of this article is based on information supplied by Hazer Group Ltd. For more information, please refer to the official company announcement and communications from Hazer. Please consult a licensed and/or registered professional in this area before making any decisions based on the content of this article.
