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Alistair MacFarlane, OGA's SNS/EIS Area Manager has written an open letter on the work that the OGA is doing with industry partners to progress the Bacton Area Hub project, which could provide clean hydrogen power to London and the South East for decades to come and help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

BACTON ENERGY HUB – AN OPEN LETTER FROM ALISTAIR MACFARLANE

We went public with the idea for the Bacton Energy Hub in June of this year, and have been absolutely delighted with the positive and enthusiastic response we have received from a wide range of people and organisations.

The initial study identified potential for the area to play a significant role in the UK’s energy future through a combination of blue and green hydrogen, offshore wind power, nuclear and carbon storage.

Taking that forward requires pace, and innovative and committed partners; and over the summer we reviewed expressions of interest from a significant number of organisations which were eager to get involved.

We are now pleased to announce that the following organisations will be leading the Bacton Energy Hub Special Interest Groups (SIGs):

The first meetings have taken place and the enthusiasm was clear to see.  This kick starts the project and over the coming months the SIGs will agree their Terms of Reference and set out what they must achieve to make the Bacton Energy Hub vision a reality.

The OGA vision remains the same: first hydrogen generation by 2030 – to achieve this, pace is vital, and the following milestones will need to be met:

  1. 2023 – CCS licence applications made to provide CO2 storage for the Energy Hub
  2. 2025 – Take a final investment decision on the Bacton Energy Hub concept.

EEEGR (Bacton Energy Hub Secretariat): “The Bacton Energy Hub holds the potential to become a vital element in the UK’s transition to net zero. EEEGR are delighted to be working with the OGA and key stakeholders across the entire energy community in the east of England to deliver the best outcomes for UK PLC.”

Progressive Energy: “Progressive Energy is delighted to participate in the Bacton SIGs, building on its earlier work on opportunities for Bacton in net zero and helping to deliver its net zero energy future.”

Summit E&P: “Summit E&P Limited and Sumitomo Corporation are delighted to be leading the Hydrogen Supply SIG and be a core member in Hydrogen Demand.  We will bring Summit’s E&P experience and the relevant experience available within the diversity of the Sumitomo Corporation group.”

Xodus: “Xodus is proud to be leading the Infrastructure SIG for the Bacton Energy Hub. We see this as a nationally significant project which can help support a low carbon economy. Infrastructure will play a key role in enabling hydrogen production. Being part of this project is an exciting chance for Xodus to contribute to delivering a responsible energy future for the UK.”

Petrofac: “We’re proud to be sharing our experience and expertise in support of the Bacton Energy Hub development. Petrofac has been part of Bacton’s story for over two decades and is committed to helping transform it into a world-leading energy hub, playing a key role in the UK’s net zero goals.”

Hydrogen East: “East Anglia has the ideal conditions for development of an energy hub incorporating a hydrogen cluster around the existing Bacton gas terminal. This potential now needs to be turned into a more detailed design supported by a coherent implementation plan.”

The OGA is pleased to have so many high calibre organisations involved in the project.  For further information go to our website:

https://www.nstauthority.co.uk/news-publications/publications/2021/bacton-energy-hub/

 

Alistair Macfarlane, SNS/EIS Area Manager