THE creation of a £40m green energy hub in Barrow will be a 'catalyst' for inward investment into the area, it has been said.

A hydrogen energy hub is due to be built next to Kimberly-Clark and could bring hundreds of jobs to the area.

Carlton Power received government back for the hub, which is due to be in use by 2025.

Barrow's MP welcomed the announcement.

Simon Fell said: “This is fantastic news for Barrow.

"As part of our plan to level up Furness, I’ve been working together with Carlton Power, KCC, and across the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the Treasury to secure this significant investment for Barrow. 

“This £40 million scheme secures the future of our local energy system, increases Barrow’s energy efficiency, brings bills down and harnesses new local jobs created on our path to net zero as we grow the economy.” 

Craig Hatch, chair of Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership's clean energy panel, also hailed the economic benefits of the project.

He said: “This major project will be a catalyst for new investment and further support the growth of a hydrogen economy right here in Cumbria – diversifying our clean energy sources and underpinning our security of supply.

“We welcome the commitment to Carbon Storage where we see Morecambe Bay as a potential significant natural carbon storage asset for the UK.

“Nuclear generation is a vital component of future electricity generation with Great British Nuclear now poised to deliver a national co-ordinated programme, which is to be welcomed, as is Government’s support for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

"Cumbria is ideally placed to take forward SMRs, given our heritage and expertise, from both a siting and manufacturing perspective."

Eric Adams, Carlton Power’s hydrogen projects director, said the hub 'will encourage industry and transport operators in the area to embrace the energy transition and Net Zero with confidence'.

"We aim to have the scheme enter commercial operation in 2025, employing around 200 people during its construction, and around 10 people full-time once in operation," he added.