Climate crisis: University of Sheffield and ITM Power green power ‘gigafactory’ plan delayed
and live on Freeview channel 276
ITM Power (Trading) Ltd and the University of Sheffield are seeking planning permission from Sheffield City Council for a ‘gigafactory’ manufacturing and testing facility located on the university’s Innovation District (USID), formerly called the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), in Tinsley.
The application was due to be considered by the council planning committee yesterday (August 9) but the applicants asked for it to be deferred.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdIt may now be discussed at the committee’s September meeting.
The plans before the council incorporate a building with advanced manufacturing space, offices, testing areas, a substation, new access, a service yard, car and cycle parking and landscaping.
The committee documents say: “The Gigafactory will manufacture electrolysers that split water into molecules of hydrogen and oxygen using renewable power.
‘Zero-carbon green hydrogen’ plan
“The result is a zero-carbon green hydrogen that is used to decarbonise industrial processes, transport and heating. It is expected to play a significant role in achieving net-zero.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“ITM are a globally-recognised expert in green hydrogen, operating from their existing site at Bessemer Park, Shepcote Lane. The increased global interest in green hydrogen and the resulting growth in demand means a second factory is required and will help in the progress towards net-zero.”
It adds: “The ITM and university collaboration seeks to advance the hydrogen sector, involving the proposed Gigafactory and a new National Hydrogen, Innovation and Skills Centre.
“As well as producing jobs, training and career development, it will promote hydrogen usage domestically and internationally and support hydrogen technology development.”
The report says the gigafactory on the 8.2-hectare site will create 500 new jobs and the overall level of investment is estimated to be around £70 million.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe firm has said previously that it expects the new project to be fully operational by the end of 2023.
No objections have been received to the plans.
The applicants will have to agree to fund work to improve wildlife habitats at nearby Seventy Acre Hill to compensate for the loss of four lapwing and skylark nesting sites caused by the development.