Ballylumford Power-to-X project: Call for more collaboration on renewable energy

The team behind the Ballylumford Power-to-X project has called for greater collaboration within the UK’s renewable energy sector to develop Northern Ireland’s green economy.
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The appeal came as a panel of industry representatives met to explore the progress of the pioneering project at an energy event hosted by the group behind the venture near Islandmagee.

The Ballylumford Power-to-X Project aims to create a full-cycle hydrogen economy, from production and storage, through to distribution and usage at the site and beyond.

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It is currently conducting a study to explore what it will take to create and implement Northern Ireland’s first dedicated 100% hydrogen gas network.

Frorm left to right: Craig Nicol, Net Zero Technology Centre;  David Surplus, B9; Mark Jessop, Islandmagee Energy Ltd; Edward Kerr, head of Hydrogen Advanced Technologies at Dept for Economy and Gerard McIlroy, Mutual Energy, at the Ballylumford Power-to-X energy event at Magheramorne Estate.Frorm left to right: Craig Nicol, Net Zero Technology Centre;  David Surplus, B9; Mark Jessop, Islandmagee Energy Ltd; Edward Kerr, head of Hydrogen Advanced Technologies at Dept for Economy and Gerard McIlroy, Mutual Energy, at the Ballylumford Power-to-X energy event at Magheramorne Estate.
Frorm left to right: Craig Nicol, Net Zero Technology Centre; David Surplus, B9; Mark Jessop, Islandmagee Energy Ltd; Edward Kerr, head of Hydrogen Advanced Technologies at Dept for Economy and Gerard McIlroy, Mutual Energy, at the Ballylumford Power-to-X energy event at Magheramorne Estate.

David Surplus, project director, said: “We have a fantastic opportunity here in Northern Ireland to be a leader in green hydrogen system development and deployment, fostering growth in a green economy. But it will depend on more collaboration between government, the transport and energy sectors to make it work.

“It’s great to have so many people here sharing a passion to create a cleaner world for future generations. There is capability here and across the UK for a green industrial revolution which doesn’t just have a positive environmental impact, but an economic one too by creating commercial viability and jobs.”

The Ballylumford site has unique significance, combining connection to the province’s gas and electricity transmission networks alongside interconnection with Scotland through the Scotland-Northern Ireland Pipeline (SNIP) and Moyle electricity interconnector.

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The project sees a collaboration between local firms B9 Energy, Islandmagee Energy Ltd and Mutual Energy together with Aberdeen based Net Zero Technology Centre.

Carbon Emissions

David continued: “Throughout this exciting project there has been a real sense of discovery and progress being made. It’s showing how the concept of longer duration energy storage is key to developing a resilient and secure energy supply chain, whilst reducing carbon emissions.

“It will allow us to take full advantage of our home-grown renewable energy sources, drive down costs and help end our reliance on volatile and expensive fossil fuels.”

The Ballylumford Power-to-X project is funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

For more information on the project visit www.ballylumfordp2x.co.uk