A major new project to convert a former gasworks site in Bradford to the UK’s largest, state-of-the-art hydrogen production facilities has secured government funding.

Conventional gas storage sites which served the people of Bradford from the early 20th century will now be converted into a hydrogen facility for the 21st century

N-Gen Energy Solutions Limited is working with Hygen Energy Holdings and Ryze Hydrogen on the joint venture, which has a clear objective of using renewable energy to power an electrolyser that will produce green hydrogen.

Once built, the facility will include a production facility to generate hydrogen from low-carbon energy sources and a hydrogen vehicle refuelling station for local buses and public and private sector fleets.

The new site will give motorists in Bradford the choice of buying hydrogen fuel cell cars as the market expands, benefiting from shorter refill times and more range compared to battery electric vehicles.

The hydrogen facility, which is subject to planning approval, will support future bus and other fleets that operate from these locations and help Bradford’s local transport be as sustainable as possible in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. It will also help cut costs, support improvements in air quality and health, and help to generate new jobs.

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council, said: “This hydrogen facility in Bradford will be the UK’s first-ever dual-energy zero-emission refuelling station catering for both battery electric and hydrogen refuelling electric vehicles.”

“Tackling climate change is important to Bradford whilst at the same time building a sustainable and prosperous economy that works in the interests of everyone and minimises waste and the use of finite natural resources.

“Research shows that clean growth could add £11bn to the city region economy and create 100,000 extra skilled jobs for local people and we want Bradford to be part of this new industrial revolution.”