The first low-carbon hydrogen hub in Greater Manchester has received a slice of £2billion of funding from the Government aimed at boosting renewable energy and to produce green fuel for use in industry and transport.

It’s the first phase of Trafford Green Hydrogen – the largest project of its kind in the UK – with the money split between a total of 11 projects.

The cash has been welcomed by Trafford council leader Tom Ross, who said: “This further affirms Trafford’s role at the forefront of tackling carbon emissions.

“It is fantastic news for a project that, I believe, will lead the way for the decarbonisation of Greater Manchester. A low-carbon environment is absolutely vital if we are to address our climate crisis and this injection of money will serve to further build on what can be achieved, right here in Trafford.”

Trafford Green Hydrogen is part of Carlton Power’s wider hydrogen project development ambitions, which has been successful in round one of central Government’s Hydrogen Allocation Round, run by the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero.

Funding has been given to a total of 11 successful electrolytic hydrogen projects. It will provide revenue support once the projects become operational in 2026.

The council gave planning permission for the up to £300million hydrogen scheme at Manchester Road in Carrington in 2022.

It forms part of Carlton Power’s Trafford Low Carbon Energy Park and will use renewable energy to produce green hydrogen fuel for use in industry, as well as transport.

Carlton also has plans to build a large battery energy storage scheme in the Low Carbon Energy Park.

Almost half of Trafford’s carbon emissions come from the industries based in Trafford Park, so finding a way to tackle this is key to the Council’s climate change plans. As well as providing an alternative low-carbon fuel, the hub will create additional jobs in the area and boost the local economy.

The Council is a partner in the project, alongside the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Manchester Metropolitan University, Cadent and Electricity North West.

Eric Adams, Carlton Power’s hydrogen projects director, said: “Securing a contract for Trafford – 15MW of capacity and an investment of c£30m, and with planning consent  – is a major achievement and places Carlton Power among the leading British companies that are helping to build the hydrogen economy in the UK.  The development of Trafford Green Hydrogen will be a major boost for the North West’s hydrogen ambitions.”