Powerhouse Energy Group plc (LON:PHE) says its project partner has begun groundworks and infrastructure preparations for the landmark first DMG waste-plastic-to-hydrogen plant, at the Protos hub in north-west England.
The AIM-listed company has also been busy, having developed a design that will enable the plant to export larger volumes of hydrogen, strengthened its operational team and made progress on procurement and contracts in preparation for subsequent stages of the project’s construction and operation.
As partner Peel L&P Environmental arm begins groundworks and preparation of access roads and areas for other works and utility service installation for the DMG plant at Protos, which is situated near Ellesmere Port in Cheshire, Powerhouse has been on a recruitment drive.
A number of experienced operational and technical staff have been hired in the current quarter, including senior process engineers, application engineers and support staff, who Powerhouse said will be based at the Thornton research and development centre to support further technical advancements, Protos project activities and new business development.
As well as refining the construction process towards a modular build strategy, Powerhouse said it has also developed a design for a solution that can export larger volumes of hydrogen, “broadening the scope for Peel to engage with smaller fleet consumers of hydrogen who require supply to their own or third party off-site locations”.
As a result, Peel has been progressing two sites through pre-planning engineering, to incorporate these new DMG technology improvements before the pair begin consultation with the local council authorities.
As well as welcoming Boris Johnson’s recent ten-point plan for a green industrial revolution, which highlighted hydrogen production in particular, Powerhouse’s executive chairman, Tim Yeo said the start of activity at Protos will help accelerate the UK’s clean energy transition.
“Powerhouse is getting down to business ahead of intense activity expected in 2021 as demand for our waste plastic to hydrogen technology gains rapid momentum.
“The company has strengthened the board and appointed a number of key experts to our operational team. I am looking forward to the next year as the opportunity for Powerhouse continues to grow and our clean energy technology can become part of the solution to air pollution and waste plastic.”