Uniper intends to be completely carbon-neutral by 2040 and will invest more than €8 billion by the early 2030s, to significantly grow green and flexible power. We are progressively expanding our gas portfolio to include green gases like hydrogen and aim to convert to these gases over the long term.
As part of this, Uniper is exploring the potential development of a new green hydrogen production facility at our Killingholme site which could contribute to the decarbonisation of the industrial Humber.
The development of low carbon hydrogen production at Killingholme could create opportunities during the construction phase and once it becomes operational, provide permanent highly skilled jobs as well as helping to safeguard jobs in the wider area.
About the project
What is the Humber H2ub® (Green) Project
The Humber H2ub® (Green) project is a proposed low carbon hydrogen production facility at Uniper’s Killingholme site. It would include electrolytic (green) hydrogen production capability, which meets the UK Low Carbon Hydrogen Standard, with an initial capacity of up to 120MW and potential future expansion of a further 200MW+. In March 2024, Uniper and Phillips 66 Limited signed a collaboration agreement to work together towards a supply of green hydrogen from the Humber H2ub® (Green) project to Phillips 66 Limited’s Humber Refinery. The hydrogen would be used to replace some refinery fuel gas in industrial scale fired heaters as part of Phillips 66 Limited’s plans to reduce the Humber Refinery’s scope 1 operational emissions*.
The project is targeted to be operational by 2029.
* Scope 1 emissions are the direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by an organisation or entity.
The role of hydrogen in the energy transition
Hydrogen is a key fuel that can be used in heavy industry, transport and power generation. The technology for producing hydrogen already exists and is proven. All types of low carbon hydrogen will be needed at scale, including both electrolytic (green) hydrogen, which is produced from renewable energy sources, and more conventional hydrogen-production methods combined with carbon capture and storage technologies. Once produced, hydrogen can also be refined into renewable liquid fuels – such as synthetic diesel and sustainable aviation fuel – providing a clean energy source for vehicles and whole industries that currently rely on carbon-intensive fuels.
For the Humber, hydrogen offers a low carbon alternative for those parts of the regional economy, which are more difficult to decarbonise, such as its heavy industry, supporting the region’s transition to a net zero future.
Why Killingholme?
The Humber is one of four target locations in the UK, recognised by the Government as an ideal area for the creation of new industrial hubs; combining all the required elements to link decarbonised energy, transport and industry.
Situated in the heart of the industrial Humber, our Killingholme site has huge potential as an energy transformation hub, supporting the region’s transition to a net zero future. It is an ideal location for large-scale low carbon hydrogen production. It offers a suitable large plot space to facilitate electrolysis-based hydrogen production, adjacent to existing industrial facilities which are seeking to decarbonise.
The hydrogen produced by the Humber H2ub® (Green) project could be used in those parts of the regional economy which are more difficult to decarbonise (such as heavy industry, transport, and power). The green hydrogen production facility would be developed as part of Uniper’s wider aspirations for our Energy Transformation Hub Killingholme.
Helping to decarbonise the industrial Humber
The Humber region is recognised as the UK’s most carbon intensive industrial region and hydrogen will be vital in decarbonising and securing the region’s economy. As part of a first phase of hydrogen refuelling to reduce some of the Humber Refinery’s scope 1 operational emissions, Phillips 66 Limited plans to take around 45 tonnes per day of green hydrogen (equivalent to 100MW electrical capacity) from our proposed Humber H2ub® (Green) development. This would contribute to a saving of around 100,000 tonnes of CO2 a year, as part of Phillips 66 Limited's wider plans to reduce Scope 1 emissions at the refinery.
*Scope 1 emissions are the direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by an organisation or entity.
Helping to support the regional economy
The potential development of a hydrogen production facility at our Killingholme site could also help to maintain economic prosperity in the Humber region. We anticipate that if consented and developed, the Humber H2ub® (Green) hydrogen production facility could create up to 110 jobs on site during construction along with potential opportunities through the wider supply chain. Once operational, as well as providing permanent on site jobs, the green hydrogen production facility could support jobs across the region and wider UK associated with its maintenance and electricity supply. Operation of the proposed facility is also expected to deliver over £40m per annum of GVA in present value terms for the UK economy. Of this, up to £20m per annum could benefit the Yorkshire and Humber region.
*Socio-economic data is taken from an independent assessment carried by a third- party contractor for Uniper in September 2024.
Project plans
The Killingholme site
The proposed new hydrogen production facility would be built on Uniper’s land at Chase Hill Road, Killingholme, adjacent to the existing power station.
The map below shows the indicative location for any new infrastructure that would be built on our site, as part of the proposed Humber H2ub® (Green) project. Please note that these plans are still in an early stage of development and are subject to change following feedback and consultation with the local community, local authorities and other organisations.
The final design will be determined during Front End Engineering Design (FEED) studies.
Image shows indicative site plan
What the new facility could look like
The specific technology requirements and design of the proposed facility will be determined during the Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) phase. However, our preliminary design work suggests that no part of the proposed Humber H2ub® (Green) project development will be higher than the existing power station. The image below provides a computer-generated representation showing what it could look like.
The hydrogen production process
The Humber H2ub® (Green) project plans to produce electrolytic (green) hydrogen which meets the UK Low Carbon Hydrogen Standard. Electrolytic, or green hydrogen is hydrogen produced via a process of electrolysis, which is splitting water into oxygen and hydrogen, using electricity from renewable and other sources of low carbon power.
The electricity for the Humber H2ub® (Green) hydrogen project could come from a range of sources; future on site development, renewable generation, as well as low carbon power generation, either directly connected to the electrolyser or via the national grid, enabled by power purchase agreements and renewable guarantees of origin.
How will the hydrogen be used?
In March 2024, Uniper and Phillips 66 Limited signed a collaboration agreement to work together towards a supply of green hydrogen from the Humber H2ub® (Green) project to Phillips 66 Limited’s Humber Refinery. The hydrogen would be used to replace some refinery fuel gas in industrial scale fired heaters as part of Phillips 66 Limited’s plans to reduce the Humber Refinery’s scope 1 operational emissions*.
Indicative Timeline
Proposals to develop a new low carbon hydrogen production facility at our Killingholme site are at a very early stage. Although we have initial plans for the project, we are carrying out a process of consultation and engagement with a wide range of stakeholders, including national agencies, local authorities, businesses, community groups and local residents. For more information on our consultation please visit our dedicated consultation website here.
The next stages in the project will be the submission of a planning application, and the start of front end engineering and design (FEED) studies. If consented, the project would then progress towards final investment decision, which is expected to be taken in 2026 with potential operation by 2029.
Latest news
Latest news
News updates
In this section you will find project related Uniper press releases.
More Information
In this section you will find additional information on regional developments.
Project documents
Your questions
Uniper aims to be carbon-neutral by 2040. To achieve this, the company is transforming its power plants and facilities and investing in flexible, dispatchable power generating units. Uniper is already one of Europe’s largest operators of hydropower plants and is helping further expand solar and wind power, which are essential for a more sustainable and secure future. Uniper is gradually adding renewable and low-carbon gases such as biomethane to its gas portfolio and is developing a hydrogen portfolio with the aim of a long-term transition. The company plans to offset any remaining CO2 emissions by high-quality CO2-offsets.
The development of a large scale hydrogen production hub at Killingholme could supply local industry, power and transport, on the South Humber bank and beyond. There is also the potential for the hydrogen to be used as an alternative fuel to natural gas to decarbonise the existing power station; however this is not the initial focus for the project.
The best solution for delivering the hydrogen produced at Killingholme will be determined during Front End Engineering Design (FEED) studies, which are due to take place from 2025. However, it is anticipated that the hydrogen will be delivered via a dedicated pipeline.
The pipeline route is still to be decided, but options currently under consideration include an eastern route that would run alongside Rosper Road before crossing it and entering the refinery and a western route that would cross land to the west of Eastfield Road. A decision on the preferred pipeline route will be made prior to the submission of our planning application and following the conclusion of discussions with the landowners along the routes being considered.
Uniper has a long-standing presence at Killingholme and understands the importance of being a good neighbour. As part of our Environmental Impact Assessment we will work with Highways England (HE) and North Lincolnshire Council to prepare extensive technical assessments that will evaluate which roads may be used to access the site, and recommend appropriate measures to help manage construction traffic levels effectively.
If the traffic and transport assessment that will form part of our Environmental Statement concludes that there could be a significant impact, a Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) would be prepared to accompany our planning application.
The design of the proposed facility will be determined during the front end engineering and design (FEED) phase that is due to start in 2025. Our current expectation is that during construction and operation of the proposed facility, traffic would access the Humber H2ub® (Green) site from our Killingholme Power Station’s existing access point on Chase Hill Road.
It is anticipated that heavy goods vehicle (HGV) construction traffic would follow a route from the A180 onto the A160 and then along Eastfield Road before turning onto Chase Hill Road to reach the site. Exiting traffic would turn left onto Chase Hill Road and follow the continuation as Rosper Road to return to the A160 and A180. These arrangements offer a turn left in / left out for HGVs during the main construction works and would avoid the main residential areas along East Halton Road.
If the traffic and transport assessment that will form part of our Environmental Statement concludes that there could be a significant impact, a Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) would be prepared to accompany our planning application.
We will be carrying out the Environmental Impact Assessment and preparing the Environmental Statement that will accompany our planning application over the coming months. Uniper is anticipating a planning application submission date in 2025.
Uniper has a long-standing presence at Killingholme and understands the importance of being a good neighbour. To ensure local people are consulted on our proposals, we agreed a programme of public consultation with the local planning authority – North Lincolnshire Council - who will determine whether the project can go ahead. This consultation programme provided an opportunity for local communities and stakeholders to ask questions and provide feedback on our proposals, and where possible, will help to inform our planning application to the Council.
For more information on our consultation and details of how you can have your say, please visit our dedicated consultation website at https://uniperuk.consulting/hhgreen/.
Contact us
If you would like to talk to us about the project, you can contact our Community Relations Team using the following contact information:
Call us on 0800 066 8941
Email us at hhgreen@communityfeedback.co.uk
Write to us at Freepost Humber H2ub (Green)
Visit our dedicated consultation website at https://uniperuk.consulting/hhgreen/
