STEPHEN CRABB MP has welcomed news that £32 million of UK government money has been awarded to H2 Hydrogen project at the site of the old Murco refinery, building on the UK Government’s commitment to being a world-leader in hydrogen energy.

The project in Milford Haven will benefit from a £32 million project through the Hydrogen Allocation Round, which will support new jobs and investment across the area.

This project is one of 11 new hydrogen production projects that has secured £400 million of upfront private investment over the next three years, creating more than 700 jobs across the UK backed by £2billion in government funding.

The UK Government today announced backing for eleven major projects to produce green hydrogen across the UK – one of the 11 sites selected is in Milford Haven at the former Murco refinery.

This represents the largest number of commercial scale green hydrogen production projects announced at once anywhere in Europe, helping to place the country, and Pembrokeshire, at the forefront of this emerging industry.

In return for this government support, the successful projects will invest over £400 million in the next three years, generating more than 700 jobs in local communities across the UK and delivering 125MW of new hydrogen.

Today’s funding represents the most significant step in scaling up the UK’s hydrogen economy to date – speeding up progress towards the Conservative Government’s long-term ambition to deploy up to 10GW low carbon production capacity by 2030.

Commenting, Stephen Crabb MP said,

“I’m delighted to see Pembrokeshire once again at the top of the queue for UK Government funding. This £32m investment for the H2 Hydrogen project will kick start a new green hydrogen energy industry right here in Pembrokeshire.

I have been discussing the merits of the project with Ministers at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero following my meeting with the company back in February. I recognised the project’s potential and the important role it could play in the Haven Energy Cluster.

This project will deliver jobs, new business opportunities and will supply green fuel across south west Wales – and it’s fantastic that it’s got the green light today.”

He added,

“Hydrogen has a key part to play in our future energy system and, with offshore wind power coming to the Celtic Sea, some of the key building blocks are being put in place for Milford Haven to become one of the country’s most important green energy ports. The Celtic Freeport will enhance this opportunity and help to attract even more investment the area.

This is an exciting time for local industry, the Haven energy sector – and this latest UK Government and private investment speaks volumes about the type of opportunities that are opening up right here in Pembrokeshire.”

Commenting, Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho said:

“Hydrogen presents a massive economic opportunity for the UK, unlocking over 12,000 jobs and up to £11 billion of investment by 2030.

“Today’s announcement represents the largest number of commercial scale green hydrogen production projects announced at once anywhere in Europe.”

“These eleven major new hydrogen projects across the UK will create over 700 jobs and deliver new opportunities from Plymouth in England to Cromarty in Scotland.”