EnergyPathways advances Barrow hydrogen project with KBR and Hazer engineering tie-up
EnergyPathways PLC (AIM:EPP) has taken a major step forward in its flagship hydrogen and graphite project in Barrow-in-Furness, launching engineering studies with KBR and Hazer as it pushes ahead with plans to develop one of the UK’s most significant low-carbon industrial schemes.
The studies, which begin immediately, will draw on proprietary technologies from both partners to design integrated facilities capable of producing low-carbon hydrogen, high-grade synthetic graphite and low-carbon ammonia.
KBR and Hazer have already formed a global strategic alliance focused on clean hydrogen production solutions, giving EnergyPathways access to established engineering expertise and a technology suite positioned for commercial deployment.
The announcement builds on a memorandum of understanding signed in July, giving EnergyPathways exclusive UK rights to evaluate and deploy Hazer’s hydrogen technology.
It also follows October’s launch of techno-commercial studies into the graphite that will emerge as a by-product of the hydrogen process.
Policymakers in the UK and elsewhere classify graphite as a critical mineral, given its importance to battery manufacturing and other net-zero technologies and the extent to which countries rely on overseas supply.
The company said the MESH project — which includes its hydrogen and graphite production facilities – has been designated a development of national significance by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
That status gives it access to a streamlined planning route under the Planning Act, typically reserved for large infrastructure projects.
EnergyPathways is targeting annual hydrogen output of 20,000 tonnes, equivalent to about 90 megawatts of production capacity, alongside 60,000 tonnes of graphite.
The KBR-Hazer alliance will lead the engineering and concept development phase, with completion expected in early 2026 in line with the wider project timetable.
Ben Clube, the company’s chief executive, said:
The commencement of engineering studies with the KBR and Hazer alliance underscores EnergyPathways’ commitment to partnering with tier-1 global leading companies to delivering innovative and affordable low-emission solutions vital for the UK’s energy transition, industrial strategy and national security.
“With alternative hydrogen production technologies such as blue and green hydrogen looking increasingly challenged by high production costs, EnergyPathways aims to develop a hydrogen production pathway and decarbonisation solution that could be more affordable to Britain’s taxpayers and energy consumers.”
EnergyPathways positions the Barrow project as a potential contributor to both energy security and industrial resilience, with its dual focus on clean hydrogen and a mineral vital to low-carbon technologies.
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EnergyPathways advances Barrow hydrogen project with KBR and Hazer engineering tie-up, source
