Nuclear reactor part of plans for major clean energy project at Saltend

DEVELOPMENT PLANS: Saltend Chemicals Park

By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor

A modular nuclear fission reactor and a floating barge capable of handling bulk shipments of liquid natural gas could be coming to Saltend as part of plans for a major clean energy project on the Humber announced today.

The initiative, led by an international consortium, has the potential to bring several billion pounds of new hi-tech investment to the region.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Chiltern Vital Group – a major shareholder in the proposed £200m Yorkshire Energy Park between Hull and Hedon – and maritime and energy investment group Freepan Holdings Corporation, commits the partners to evaluate options for two major projects at the 370-acre Saltend Chemicals Park.

One features the proposed fast-track construction of a decarbonised 500 MW floating barge on the Humber near Saltend’s existing deepwater jetty capable of handling bulk shipments of liquid natural gas.

Using proven and already deployed technology that has been fully endorsed by Lloyd’s Register, the aim is to deploy an interim energy-generating structure on the Humber by 2028.

The other involves a longer-term investment in the construction of a modular nuclear fission reactor on the Saltend site providing clean energy with the potential to support new district heating systems in Hull and the roll-out of new agri-tech industries in the immediate area though the supply of waste heat.

The technology for small-scale reactors such as the one envisaged for Saltend already has both UK and international regulator approval. Subject to final confirmation, its footprint would be the equivalent of a basketball court.

Feasibility studies into both projects and broader collaboration with the two partners are being supported by px Group, the long-term owners and operators of Saltend Chemicals Park.

The MoU follows the government’s recent announcement of major investment in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and large-scale nuclear construction at the Sizewell site in Suffolk.

As well as being a major shareholder in the Yorkshire Energy Park, Chiltern Vital Group (CVG) also owns Berkeley Science and Technology Park in Gloucestershire which is being developed as a major UK research and development hub for nuclear fission and fusion technology.

CVG says the Saltend concept aims to address critical energy shortages currently facing UK industrial zones where some delayed grid connections currently stretch into the 2030s.

This in turn is leading to delayed and sometimes cancelled major investment decisions in industries such as AI, advanced manufacturing and cyber defence, which are all critical to the UK’s economic growth and security.

Hull East MP Karl Turner said: “The Humber has always been a national asset and with the right investment, it can now become a cornerstone of Britain’s clean energy future.

“This initiative brings together international expertise, local delivery and a long-term vision that aligns closely with the UK’s Industrial and Infrastructure Strategies.

“It represents the kind of bold, regionally anchored project that creates skilled jobs, strengthens resilience, and drives growth where it’s most needed.

“I am pleased to support this effort and will continue to work with colleagues in government and industry to ensure the Humber’s full potential is realised.”

Chris Turner, chief executive of CVG and chairman of the Yorkshire Energy Park, said: “Working with UK and international financial and technology partners offer a unique opportunity for the Humber to benefit from large-scale, long-term energy investment that will support new advanced manufacturing industries and skilled job creation on the Humber.”

Panagiotis Natsiopoulos, chairman and chief executive of Freepan Holdings Corp. said: “The UK’s need for dependable, clean, and fast-track energy solutions is now a matter of national competitiveness.

“The Humber stands out as one of the few regions with the infrastructure, ambition, and alignment to deliver at scale.

“Through this partnership, Freepan Holdings Corp. brings capital, technical expertise and a deep commitment to accelerating Britain’s energy transition. Our immediate focus is delivering floating decarbonised power capacity by 2028.”