EEssar Energy Transition acquires Thornton Science Park

Essar Energy Transition ('EET') has signed a sale and purchase agreement to acquire the site through its subsidiary EET Property Limited, as part of its plan to create one of Europe’s main energy transition hubs, focusing on hydrogen fuel technologies.

Thornton Science Park has been at the forefront of scientific and industrial research and development and is a key asset to the Cheshire Science Corridor – linking Liverpool and Manchester. The site has also played a significant role in identifying sustainable energy sources to address meeting the UK’s 2050 net zero emissions target.

Deepak Maheshwari, CEO of EET Fuels, said: “The acquisition of Thornton Science Park represents the latest step in our ambition to develop Europe’s foremost integrated energy transition hub.

"Leading by example, Essar Energy Transition is playing its part to ensure that the UK delivers on its climate change goals, enhances energy security, and maintains a strong, secure manufacturing base for fuels.”

EET plans for Thornton Science Park to serve as an energy transition hub.

Thornton Science Park will be the UK headquarters for EET including:

• EET Fuels, which is transitioning Stanlow Manufacturing Complex to become the UK’s first low carbon refinery;
• EET Hydrogen, which is developing one of the first large scale, low carbon hydrogen production hubs in the world;
• EET Hydrogen Power, which is developing Europe’s first hydrogen fuelled combined heat and power plant; and
• Stanlow Terminals Ltd, which the UK’s largest independent bulk liquid storage terminal, and is developing enabling transport and storage infrastructure for biofuels and new energies.

EET will develop the hydrogen hub in phases with the first plant at 350MW capacity, the second at 1,000MW capacity and an overall target capacity of more than 4,000MW by 2030.

Construction is anticipated to start this year, with low carbon hydrogen produced at the site by 2027.