A PLANNING application has been submitted to create a low carbon hydrogen production facility at Pilkington's Greengate Works site.

The Star reported in June that Grenian Hydrogen is developing a project to provide a long-term supply of green hydrogen to produce low-carbon glass.

Pilks says this will "provide a blueprint for the decarbonisation of flat glass manufacturing all over the world".

The project will also help solidify the town’s place at the forefront of both low-carbon energy development and glass innovation, in the wake of the launch of the Glass Futures research and technology facility at the former United Glass site in Peasley Cross.

Pilkington UK, part of the NSG Group, has manufactured glass in St Helens for almost 200 years, supplying glass into the architectural sector for buildings and homes.

Grenian will produce green hydrogen on a plot at the Greengate Works site using renewable electricity. This will reduce fossil gas used in Pilkington UK’s furnace allowing Pilkington UK to continue to decarbonise its glass production.

Grenian Hydrogen comprises Progressive Energy - a low-carbon energy project developer, Statkraft - Europe’s largest generator of renewable energy; and Foresight - a leading investment manager in real assets and capital for growth.

The consortium is developing a suite of low carbon (‘green’) hydrogen production plants across the North West of England and North Wales.

READ > Plans drawn up for padel tennis courts

The project at Pilkington UK is the first that Grenian has submitted for planning permission.

A design and access statement in the plans says: "The proposed development would comprise the construction and operation of a low carbon hydrogen production plant and substation, along with associated utilities connections.

"The proposed development would provide a long-term supply of low carbon hydrogen to produce low carbon glass at the Greengate Works."

Neil Syder, managing director at Pilkington UK, said earlier this year: “Our plans to produce green hydrogen on site will provide a blueprint for the decarbonisation of flat glass manufacturing all over the world.

“Using zero carbon hydrogen to fuel our production will enable us to permanently remove 15,000 tonnes of carbon emissions from our production each year, representing a major step forward in meeting our Science Basted Targets Initiative (SBTi) certified targets for achieving carbon neutrality."

The Star reported earlier this year after the closure of Pilks' Watson Street Works site with productions moving to Greengate, as part of a project that represents one of the single biggest investments the manufacturer has made in the UK in decades.

The planning application for the  low-carbon hydrogen production facility is on standard consultation until Monday, October 14, with a decision expected by November 4.

If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of St Helens. Please get in touch at simon.mulligan@newsquest.co.uk.