Essar Energy Transition Acquires Thornton Science Park for Leading Energy Transition Hub
Key Ideas
- Essar Energy Transition has completed the acquisition of the 66-acre Ellesmere Port site, aiming to establish a leading energy transition hub in the North West known as HyNet.
- The purchase includes laboratories, office space, and industrial facilities to advance new technologies, carbon capture, and hydrogen production, eventually building the UK's first low-carbon hydrogen production plant.
- The deal concluded a long process that involved an agreement between Essar and the University of Chester, leading to the transfer of ownership of Thornton Science Park after the university's decade-long tenure.
- Various businesses under Essar Energy Transition will relocate to the site to establish an EET headquarters, fostering collaborations with local stakeholders to drive the UK's decarbonisation strategy.
Essar Energy Transition, through its subsidiary Essar Fuels, has finalized the acquisition of the 66-acre Ellesmere Port site, Thornton Science Park, with the vision of developing a prominent energy transition hub in the North West, named HyNet. This strategic move will position Essar to pioneer new technologies, carbon capture initiatives, and hydrogen production, culminating in the construction of the UK's inaugural low-carbon hydrogen production facility. The acquisition process, which concluded the University of Chester's ownership of the science park after a decade, signifies a significant milestone for Essar's ambitions. By relocating its various businesses including EET Fuels, EET Hydrogen, Stanlow Terminals, EET Hydrogen Power, and EET Retail to the site, Essar aims to establish an EET headquarters dedicated to driving the energy transition agenda. Deepak Maheshwari, the chief executive of EET Fuels, highlighted the strategic importance of the acquisition in realizing Europe's premier integrated energy transition hub. The move is expected to attract businesses and innovators committed to advancing the UK's decarbonization efforts, showcasing Essar's commitment to sustainable development amidst the evolving energy landscape.