Production, Supply and Distribution of Renewable Hydrogen to the Cambridge Norwich Tech Corridor (CNTC) - Market Engagement

This Prior Information Notice (PIN) is inviting expressions of interest to explore potential delivery options to achieve the project partners’ ambitious vision for tackling climate change and decarbonisation. The Cambridge Norwich Tech Corridor (CNTC) Clean Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap has been commissioned by the following project partners: Breckland Council, Broadland District Council, South Norfolk Council, Norfolk County Council, supported by the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, in order to explore strategic opportunities for producing and using clean hydrogen (also referred to as ‘green hydrogen’) in the CNTC.The Councils are seeking to undertake a broad market engagement process to identify opportunities to partner with credible stakeholders to kickstart the foundations of a hydrogen economy in the region. Responses from stakeholders within all areas of the hydrogen value chain are welcomed.The CNTC has a vision to be a world leading hydrogen destination. The partnership of Councils within the area is initially focused on developing a commercial supply of hydrogen to support its requirements to decarbonise transport, and industrial applications, but also to establish the opportunity for the area and the wider region to export hydrogen to the UK and EU markets.The LAs (Local Authorities) are seeking to play a pivotal role in the establishment and progression of a clean hydrogen economy along the CNTC, either through supporting the development of one or more production facilities, and/or acting as potential offtakers, or as potential commercial partners. Key objectives set by the LAs include:• Working with partners to deliver a commercially viable hydrogen production facility, or facilities, which can be a catalyst to transition the wider region to a clean hydrogen economy; • Exploring opportunities to produce clean hydrogen within, and export beyond the CNTC; • Delivering economic growth and create jobs in the focus area; and • Helping to secure the Norfolk’s Net Zero ambition.The public sector and its partners are well placed to become early adopters of the technology and become anchor customers, helping to de-risk hydrogen production. Focused involvement by the Councils could also provide confidence to the private sector, thereby acting as a catalyst to drive further investment in hydrogen development projects across the county, overall supporting the formation of a local hydrogen economy, and realising the wider economic benefits.The Councils have commissioned expert consultants to conduct a hydrogen production site appraisal and develop a strategic roadmap to realising the LAs hydrogen ambitions. Additional information and a supplementary appendix containing further information on our clean hydrogen ambitions and progress to date, should be requested from: cntc@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.ukPlease respond with an EOI to cntc@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk, including contact details by 30th April 2024.We will be engaging with each participant that responds to this Prior Information Notice, from 1st May 2024.