At Millbank, we’re closely watching the exciting developments taking place in the UK’s energy and infrastructure sectors, and the recent milestone at Stanlow refinery is one that has truly captured our attention.
Essar Energy Transition (EET) Fuels has successfully connected a hydrogen-ready furnace at the Stanlow site in Ellesmere Port, a first-of-its-kind achievement in the UK. This isn’t just an incremental improvement – it’s a fundamental shift in how industrial energy could be delivered and decarbonised. For a site that already supplies around 16% of all UK road transport fuels, this leap towards hydrogen integration speaks volumes about the commitment to building a low-carbon future.
The new furnace, replacing three older units, will initially run on traditional fuels but is engineered to eventually switch to 100% hydrogen – significantly reducing carbon emissions by up to 200,000 tonnes per year. This is more than an environmental upgrade; it’s a decisive move towards energy resilience, clean air, and future-ready operations.
At Millbank, these developments are particularly compelling not only because of their strategic significance, but also due to the wealth of engineering, project management, and technical opportunities they represent. As EET transitions Stanlow into one of the world’s most advanced low-carbon process refineries, we're already seeing a growing demand for talent across a range of roles – from Process Engineers and Hydrogen Project Managers to E&I Designers, HSE Advisors, and Controls Engineers.
The hydrogen-ready furnace is just the beginning. EET’s plans include the construction of a hydrogen-ready combined heat and power (CHP) plant by 2027 and the launch of the HyNet-linked HPP1 hydrogen production facility. These projects are backed by robust carbon capture plans led by Eni, which aim to store up to 97% of hydrogen-related CO2 emissions in repurposed gas fields under Liverpool Bay.
Such initiatives exemplify the type of work that aligns with Millbank’s passion for forward-thinking engineering and infrastructure. We’ve always believed that innovation in the energy transition isn’t just about technology; it’s about people – the professionals driving change on the ground. Supporting talent in this space is not just part of what we do – it's central to who we are.
Hydrogen is no longer a concept reserved for the distant future. As EET’s Managing Director Ruth Herbert stated;
We are officially hydrogen ready at Stanlow refinery… it’s not in the future – it’s now.
We couldn’t agree more.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional in energy infrastructure or looking to enter this transformative field, there’s never been a more exciting time to get involved. As these pioneering projects move forward, Millbank will be there – connecting skilled professionals with meaningful opportunities that are shaping the UK's low-carbon future.
Source: www.energyvoice.com "Exclusive: EET connects hydrogen-ready furnace at Stanlow in UK first"
