“This funding is an important step forward in Sheffield’s industrial future”

A Sheffield manufacturer is on track to create 400 jobs following the “biggest investment in hydrogen in the UK.”

ITM Power in Tinsley has hired 50 since April, when the government announced £86.5m to create one of Europe’s largest electrolyser factories.

Coun Minesh Parekh said the grant for ITM Power had now been formally awarded and welcomed the green jobs it will create. | Minesh Parekh

placeholder image — Coun Minesh Parekh said the grant for ITM Power had now been formally awarded and welcomed the green jobs it will create. | Minesh Parekh

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The business, which operates out of two units at Bessemer Park near Meadowhall, is spending millions on machines and aiming to grow to 700 employees over the next five years.

ITM Power makes electrolysers that split water to create hydrogen that can be burned or used in fuel cells to create electricity.

In April, Great British Energy, the UK’s publicly owned energy company, said it would invest £40m in ITM Power.

At the same time, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero announced a £46.5m grant for the company.

ITM Power has two factories near Meadowhall and is spending millions on expansion.

The money has now been formally awarded, according to Councillor Minesh Parekh, Sheffield Labour’s lead for transport, regeneration and climate, who welcomed the green jobs it will create.

He said: “This funding is an important step forward in Sheffield’s industrial future. Great British Energy is helping to transition to a postcarbon future and creating hundreds of good green jobs in South Yorkshire in the process.

“The public ownership stake matters too. Through this national investment, the public is taking a 10 per cent equity stake in a successful Sheffield company and share in the value created by our green transition.”