An international consortium has signed an agreement to explore a major new clean energy project in the Humber, following the Government’s recent announcement of support for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
The proposal includes two key elements for the Saltend area: a floating power barge near the Saltend jetty, and a longer-term plan to install SMRs at the Saltend site itself.
Chiltern Vital Group (CVG), owner of the Berkeley Science and Technology Park in Gloucester and partner in the Yorkshire Energy Park Freeport, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with its maritime and energy investment partner, Freepan Holdings Corp. The agreement commits them to assessing the feasibility of delivering a fast-track, low-carbon floating LNG power barge producing up to 500 MW, followed by long-term investment in SMRs using UK regulator-approved technologies.
The studies are being supported by px Group, long-term owner and operator of Saltend Chemicals Park.
The project is designed to help tackle the current energy supply issues facing UK industry – particularly delays in grid connections, which in some areas could take until the 2030s. These delays are already holding back major investment in sectors such as AI, advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity.
The proposed floating power barge, using proven technology certified by Lloyd’s Register, would deliver 100, 120 and 200 MW modular units by 2028. It would provide clean, reliable energy for the Humber Freeport and could also support Hull City Council’s £125 million district heating project and the £45 million Vital Energi scheme by supplying waste heat. The initiative could also pave the way for the return of large-scale agri-tech to the region.
Karl Turner, MP for Hull East, said: “The Humber has always been a national asset – and with the right investment, it can become a cornerstone of Britain’s clean energy future. This initiative brings together international expertise and local delivery in a way that supports the UK’s economic strategy and creates skilled jobs where they are most needed. I fully support this project and will work with colleagues to help it progress.”
Chris Turner, CEO of CVG and chairman of the Yorkshire Energy Park, said: “This partnership gives the Humber a unique opportunity to benefit from major long-term energy investment that will support new industries and skilled jobs in the region.”
Panagiotis Natsiopoulos, chairman and CEO of Freepan Holdings Corp, added: “The UK urgently needs reliable, clean energy solutions, and the Humber is one of the few regions ready to deliver at scale. Freepan Holdings brings international capital, expertise, and a firm commitment to fast-tracking Britain’s energy transition, starting with floating decarbonised power by 2028.”