Keuper Gas Storage
Project
Because of the project’s importance in helping the UK meet its increasing energy needs, the KGSP is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP). This means that rather than going through the local authority like most planning applications, the KGSP required a Development Consent Order (DCO) from the Secretary of State. This was granted in March 2017.
KGSL is now seeing a Material Change to the consented project to store hydrogen ensuring the project underpins efforts to tackle climate change and net zero emissions by 2050.
If approved KGSP will use 19 newly created and specially designed underground cavities to store 1300 gigawatt hours of hydrogen – more clean energy than any other facility.
About Us
The Keuper Gas Storage Project (KGSP) is being developed in partnership between INEOS Inovyn and Storengy UK. Keuper Gas Storage Limited (KGSL) is the project developer.
Storengy UK is a subsidiary of ENGIE, who developed and now operate the Stublach Natural Gas Storage site in Cheshire. Now fully completed, the scheme is the largest on shore gas storage facility in the country, enhancing the security of supply to the UK gas market. Storengy UK are actively participating in the energy transition and supporting the UK government strategy to reach net zero by 2050 and have set their own carbon neutral target of 2025. For over 5 years Storengy UK have had in place a responsible business board which focuses on how they contribute to the local community and impact the economy. Additionally, Storengy UK sponsor the Green Jobs Expo, supports local projects through Cheshire Community Foundation, and encourages biodiversity on the Stublach site.
INOVYN Enterprises Limited is the landowner and its Brine & Water Business would be responsible for the solution mining of brine to facilitate this proposed development. INEOS has strong ties to the region and employs over 1,000 people in Runcorn and Northwich. The Company produces a range of essential chemicals for use by industry and the public. INEOS, through its subsidiary INOVYN, is already Europe’s largest existing operator of electrolysis, the critical technology to produce hydrogen. At our existing site in Runcorn, we’ve been producing hydrogen gas for more than 125 years.
Why Hydrogen?
Hydrogen is a game-changing source of energy that can be used as both a raw material for industry and as a clean power source for transport, industry, business and electricity generation when the wind isn’t blowing and the sun isn’t shining.
The North West is seen as a key location for hydrogen production and carbon capture, due to its natural assets and established, energy intensive industries that need to cut their carbon emissions.
The KGSP will connect to HyNet North West and support the delivery of the project through the storage of hydrogen. HyNet is the regional hydrogen and carbon capture project planned to produce, store and transport hydrogen via Cadent’s HyNet North West pipeline around the North West of England and North Wales – helping to decarbonise our industries from the mid-2020s. By 2030, HyNet will reduce carbon dioxide emission by 10 million tonnes every year, the equivalent of taking 4 million cars off the road.
Visit the HyNet website at www.hynet.co.uk for more information.
