Tilbury Set to Host Green Hydrogen Hub in Landmark Decarbonisation Deal for LTC

A major step towards decarbonising UK industry and logistics has been announced, with GeoPura and Forth Ports agreeing a 10-year partnership to develop a commercial-scale green hydrogen facility at the Port of Tilbury.

The new plant, located in Essex, will initially feature a 1MW electrolyser powered by electricity generated from rooftop solar panels. Construction is expected to begin later this year, marking the start of what could become a key low-carbon energy hub for the Thames Estuary.

Backed by a £2 million seed investment from Thames Freeport, the project aims to reduce emissions from port operations, particularly diesel-powered machinery and heavy goods vehicles. It also positions Tilbury among the first major UK ports to host on-site green hydrogen production for industrial use.

A Strategic Location for Clean Energy

The Port of Tilbury is one of the UK’s busiest logistics hubs, handling millions of tonnes of cargo each year. Its operations rely heavily on diesel-powered equipment, including forklifts, reach stackers and HGVs—making it a prime candidate for decarbonisation.

By producing hydrogen on-site, the facility will provide a cleaner alternative fuel that can be used directly within port operations and the surrounding logistics network.

The location also offers strategic advantages. Tilbury sits close to the Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) project, where GeoPura has already secured a major contract to supply green hydrogen during construction.

Supporting Major Infrastructure Projects

Earlier this year, GeoPura was selected to deliver what is believed to be the largest volume of green hydrogen ever used on a UK construction project.

Under the agreement, the company will supply 2,500 tonnes of hydrogen to support the Lower Thames Crossing. This is expected to replace more than 12 million litres of diesel and reduce carbon emissions by around 30,000 tonnes.

The hydrogen will be delivered as a fully managed service, including storage and on-site distribution to construction equipment—demonstrating how alternative fuels can be integrated into large-scale infrastructure delivery.

The proximity of the Tilbury facility to the LTC site is expected to strengthen supply chains and reduce the logistical challenges associated with transporting hydrogen.

A Step Towards Net Zero Targets

The development aligns with broader national and industry ambitions to scale up low-carbon hydrogen production.

The UK government has set a target of up to 10GW of hydrogen production capacity by 2030 as part of its pathway to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Meanwhile, Forth Ports has committed to reaching net zero across its operations by 2042.

Projects like Tilbury are seen as critical in bridging the gap between ambition and delivery—providing real-world examples of how hydrogen can be used to decarbonise sectors that are difficult to electrify.

Industry Backing and Regional Impact

GeoPura’s Chief Executive, Andrew Cunningham, described the project as another example of how existing industrial infrastructure can be repurposed to support the transition to cleaner energy.

He highlighted the potential for Tilbury to become a focal point for hydrogen adoption across the Thames Estuary, improving air quality while creating new skilled jobs in the clean energy sector.

Thames Freeport has also positioned the project as a demonstration of how public and private collaboration can accelerate innovation.

Interim Chief Executive Stuart Rimmer said hydrogen has a clear role to play in decarbonising heavy industry and logistics. He added that supporting projects like Tilbury helps create the conditions for wider adoption, investment and job creation.

Scaling Up Hydrogen in Real-World Environments

One of the key challenges facing hydrogen adoption is moving from pilot projects to commercial-scale deployment.

The Tilbury facility represents an important step in that transition. By embedding hydrogen production within an active port environment, the project will test how the technology performs under real operational conditions.

This approach not only reduces emissions locally but also provides valuable data and experience that can inform future projects across the UK.

Looking Ahead

While the initial capacity of 1MW is relatively modest, the long-term significance of the project lies in its scalability and strategic positioning.

As demand for low-carbon fuels grows—driven by regulatory pressures, corporate sustainability goals and infrastructure projects—the ability to produce hydrogen close to where it is needed will become increasingly important.

Tilbury could serve as a blueprint for similar developments at ports and industrial hubs across the country.

A Turning Point for Industrial Decarbonisation?

The partnership between GeoPura and Forth Ports signals a broader shift in how the UK approaches decarbonisation.

Rather than relying solely on future technologies, the focus is increasingly on deploying available solutions at scale, in locations where they can deliver immediate impact.

Green hydrogen is not a silver bullet. But in sectors like heavy transport, logistics and construction—where electrification alone may not be sufficient—it offers a viable and increasingly practical alternative.

The Tilbury project demonstrates that the transition is no longer theoretical. It is happening now, on the ground, in the places where emissions are hardest to tackle.

And if successful, it could help accelerate the UK’s journey towards a cleaner, more resilient industrial future.