HUNDREDS of jobs could be brought to the area by the construction of a green energy hub in Barrow after it was backed by the Government.

Carlton Power has secured government support to build a hydrogen hub next to Kimberly-Clark.

The Barrow Green Hydrogen hub, the first of its kind in Cumbria, will supply hydrogen to the manufacturing facility.

Subject to final agreements with Carlton Power, the Government will provide financial support to the project through its Hydrogen Business Model process, which aims to stimulate the growth of the hydrogen economy in Cumbria and across the UK. 

The hub, located on land next to Kimberly-Clark’s facility on Park Road, is targeted to enter operation in 2025 and could help reduce Kimberly-Clark’s reliance on natural gas as part of its global decarbonisation strategy. 

The project is due to employ around 200 people during its construction and around ten full-time once in operation.

Barrow Green Hydrogen could also potentially provide other energy-intensive businesses in the area with hydrogen to fuel their operations.

This project will initially feature a 30 megawatt electrolyser, expected to produce approximately 3,000 tonnes of hydrogen every year - enough zero-carbon energy to supply the equivalent of 10,000 homes.

Eric Adams, Carlton Power’s hydrogen projects director, said: “We are delighted by this news. 

"Having the support and commitment of Kimberly-Clark was crucial to our success and we look forward to working with their team to build and operate the scheme. 

"We are also hugely grateful for the support given to the project by Simon Fell MP, neighbouring MPs and local business organisations.

“Everyone could see that Barrow Green Hydrogen would be a catalyst for inward investment and the development of the hydrogen economy in Cumbria.

"Today’s decision will encourage industry and transport operators in the area to embrace the energy transition and Net Zero with confidence.

Oriol Margo, sustainability transformation leader for Europe, Middle East and Africa at Kimberly-Clark, said: “This is a significant milestone for decarbonising our operations as we aim to deliver on our ambition of 100 per cent renewable energy in the UK and Ireland by 2030.

"The Barrow Green Hydrogen project will reduce the reliance on natural gas significantly at our nearby manufacturing facility, so we’re pleased to see that it’s been received positively by local MPs and businesses.

"We’re looking forward to continuing our work with Carlton as we move onto the next stage of the project.”