Moorside clean energy hub
| Company type | Joint initiative |
|---|---|
| Industry | Energy |
| Founded | 2020 |
| Founder | EDF, Rolls-Royce |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
Area served | United Kingdom |
| Products | Electricity, hydrogen, energy storage |
Moorside clean energy hub represents a joint initiative unveiled on 30 June 2020 by two partnerships: one headed by EDF and the other by Rolls-Royce. Their objective is to establish an energy complex that generates electricity and hydrogen through nuclear power combined with renewable energy sources.
This development is planned for the previously cancelled Moorside nuclear power station location, which Toshiba abandoned in 2018.
History
In 2020, EDF Energy put forward plans to construct two EPR units similar to those at Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C, offering a total capacity of 3.2 GWe. At the same time, a consortium led by Rolls-Royce proposed a low-carbon facility featuring small, light-water Rolls-Royce SMR reactors integrated with renewable energy sources, hydrogen production, and battery storage technologies.
The Nuclear Industry Association supported the Moorside initiative, emphasizing its role in stimulating economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic by generating employment opportunities. The project also aligns with the UK’s Net Zero ambitions by delivering clean electricity and advancing decarbonisation through hydrogen, sustainable fuels, and heating solutions.
On 11 November 2020, BBC reported Rolls-Royce’s plan to deploy up to 16 SMRs across the UK, each with a capacity of 440 MW. Following an £18 million design grant awarded in 2019, the government is anticipated to invest an additional £200 million as part of its green recovery strategy. Rolls-Royce forecasts that this venture will create approximately 6,000 jobs throughout the Midlands and Northern regions within five years, positioning the technology for future export markets.
Low Carbon Electricity Generation
The consortium intends to construct two EPR reactors delivering a combined electrical output of 3200MW and thermal output reaching 8000MW, supplemented by small and advanced modular reactors. These units will provide low-carbon electricity to the national grid while supplying thermal energy for surrounding communities and the broader clean energy hub.
Green Hydrogen
The project envisions employing High-temperature electrolysis to boost hydrogen production efficiency by utilizing waste heat alongside affordable electricity during off-peak hours. The resulting hydrogen could be blended into the national gas network to reduce its carbon footprint, with potential for complete substitution of natural gas. Furthermore, the consortium plans to supply hydrogen fuel for heavy transport sectors such as HGVs, trains, buses, and maritime vessels.
Energy Storage
On-site electricity storage will be facilitated through cryogenic energy storage, employing a four-step process designed to swiftly balance demand fluctuations:
1. Charge Stage: Electricity powers air compression and cooling to liquefy air; waste heat generated here is redirected to improve hydrogen production efficiency.
2. Storage Stage: The liquefied air is held in low-pressure containment tanks.
3. Discharge Stage: Waste heat reheats the liquefied air which then expands to drive turbines generating electricity.
4. Cold Store: Cold waste from the discharge phase is captured to enhance charging efficiency and support other hub functions such as emergency cooling for data centers.
An alternative approach involves using electrical energy to create temperature differences within hot and cold storage units that drive generators as required. This method allows scalable expansion by increasing heat storage capacity cost-effectively.
See also
- Proposed nuclear power plants in the United Kingdom
- Moorside nuclear facility
- Nuclear energy in the United Kingdom
- Hinkley Point C nuclear facility
- Sizewell C nuclear facility