GeoPura and Forth Ports have signed a long-term agreement to develop a green hydrogen production facility at the Port of Tilbury, marking a significant step in decarbonising one of the United Kingdom’s key logistics hubs.
The project, supported by £2 million in seed funding from Thames Freeport, will see the installation of an initial 1 MW low-carbon hydrogen production plant. Construction is expected to begin this year, with hydrogen generated through electrolysis powered by on-site solar energy.
Under a 10-year agreement, with an option to extend, the facility will supply zero-emission hydrogen for port operations and the wider Thames Estuary region. The initiative positions Tilbury among the first major UK ports to host commercial-scale hydrogen production for heavy industrial applications.
The project aligns with the UK government’s net zero target for 2050 and supports Forth Ports’ ambition to achieve net zero emissions across its operations by 2042. With transport contributing a significant share of national emissions, the adoption of hydrogen is expected to play a key role in decarbonising heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and port equipment.
The Port of Tilbury handles millions of tonnes of cargo annually, relying on equipment such as forklifts, reach stackers and HGVs. Transitioning these operations to hydrogen fuel is expected to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and enhance worker health.
According to Andrew Cunningham, the Tilbury project builds on the company’s experience in repurposing industrial infrastructure for low-carbon hydrogen production, including developments at HyMarnham Power. He noted that the project demonstrates how existing infrastructure can support the transition to renewable fuels while creating skilled jobs.
The facility will also support major infrastructure projects, including the Lower Thames Crossing, where GeoPura has been contracted to supply 25,000 tonnes of hydrogen. The initiative aims to help the project achieve carbon-neutral construction by replacing over 12 million litres of diesel.
David Webster highlighted that the collaboration reflects Forth Ports’ commitment to delivering low-carbon logistics and sustainable energy solutions.
Meanwhile, Stuart Rimmer emphasized the role of hydrogen in decarbonising heavy industry and logistics, noting that the Tilbury project serves as a real-world demonstration for scaling clean technologies.
The project is expected to generate skilled green jobs, strengthen the regional hydrogen supply chain, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. As the UK targets up to 10 GW of low-carbon hydrogen production capacity by 2030, the Port of Tilbury initiative is positioned as a model for industrial decarbonisation across critical infrastructure.
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