Plans submitted for Kent hydrogen plant

A green energy company is set to open a £120 million plant.

Hydrogen TE (UK) Ltd is seeking planning permission from Kent County Council to build the UK’s first waste-to-hydrogen base at Manston, near Ramsgate. 

The project aims to convert household and commercial waste into clean hydrogen, significantly cutting landfill and carbon emissions.

Bosses say the ten-acre site would create more than 100 jobs by 2027, including skilled and graduate roles, alongside a training centre to foster local talent. 

They add the hydrogen produced will supply commercial heavy vehicle fleets and waste management operations, helping meet UK net-zero targets.

Michael Engsted, Hydrogen TE managing director, said: “This area of Kent has seen a huge depletion in jobs over the past few decades, which has forced many skilled workers and graduates to relocate.   

“We are determined to help revitalise the local community by giving talented individuals a reason for staying here. 

“We are committed to prioritising local recruitment for positions including finance, engineering and science.

“Hydrogen fuel cells are the future and we are determined to help make it a mainstream form of energy.” 

Jeremy Parkin, fellow managing director at Hydrogen TE, which also plans to expand with a second plant near Newport, Wales, added: “We are keen to establish the standard for plants like this, which will one day become a familiar sight across the UK.  

“We are going above and beyond to make this a plant that Manston and Kent can be immensely proud of.

“We are doing our utmost to make it as self-sufficient as possible by using modern technology to assist with water harvesting and energy production.   

“But we are also going the extra distance in terms of aesthetics, planting mature trees and shrubs, creating living walls to encourage local wildlife to flourish.” 

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