EPC contract in place for UK’s first large-scale low-carbon hydrogen plant

Essar Energy Transition (EET) Hydrogen, a developer of the first large-scale, low-carbon hydrogen production hub in the UK, has selected Istanbul-based company ENKA for engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) work on its flagship hydrogen production plant HPP1 at the Stanlow Manufacturing Complex in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire.

EET Hydrogen and ENKA signed the EPC contract, which was described as a ‘major milestone’ for the HPP1 project, on January 15, 2025.

Backed by the UK Government funding in October 2024, the flagship HPP1 project is located at the heart of the HyNet industrial decarbonization cluster, which includes hydrogen production and supply, as well as carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) to support the decarbonization of hard-to-abate sectors in a region of concentrated conventional energy usage.

The HPP1, also known as the nation’s first large-scale, low-carbon hydrogen production plant, is expected to have a production capacity of 350 MW and will capture around 600,000 tonnes of CO2 a year, starting in 2026.

Hakan Kozan, Member of the Executive Committee at ENKA, said: “We are thrilled to partner with EET Hydrogen on the HPP1 project, a transformative initiative that will play a key role in advancing the UK’s low carbon hydrogen industry and contributing to global decarbonisation efforts.

“As a global engineering and construction company, we bring expertise, engineered solutions, and a commitment to excellence to every project we undertake. This project reinforces our commitment to supporting the HyNet Cluster’s mission of reducing emissions and fostering sustainable economic growth.  We look forward to delivering a safe and successful project for our distinguished customer.”

Joe Seifert, CEO of EET Hydrogen, commented: “Following a highly competitive tender process, we are excited to announce this critical contract with ENKA.  Having been awarded over 580 contracts in 57 countries, ENKA has an excellent track record in delivering complex projects like HPP1.  The team brings a wealth of experience, and we are delighted to partner with as we deliver on our ambition to become the UK’s premier producer of low carbon hydrogen.”

At the HyNet decarbonization cluster, EET is also developing the HPP2 facility, which at up to 1000 MW capacity, is expected to be one of the largest in the world and is estimated to produce some 230,000 tons of low-carbon hydrogen every year for local industrial and power generation customers.