If you are green investment planning in Cheshire, the county is set to benefit from a new hub for decarbonised industrial uses.
The former fertiliser site in Ince, near Cheshire Oaks, has been acquired by regeneration and clean energy specialist Peel NRE, and is earmarked to facilitate the expansion of its 256-acre Protos resource management facility. The company said that after the safe demolition of the former manufacturing facility, the site will then be redeveloped as part of its drive to boost demand in the low-carbon economy.
To date, Protos has already received £500 million in investment and now has an ambitious 15-year plan that could see the creation of over 1,000 jobs whilst bringing in up to £1.5 billion. The site will enjoy connectivity to a low-carbon and hydrogen energy project, HyNet North West, which aims to contribute to a low-carbon economy for North Wales and the North West. It is hoped this will further boost hydrogen as a clean energy source.
As such, Peel NRE is expecting interest from reprocessing technologies, energy generators, and industries that are energy-intensive, given the site’s location and proximity to HyNet infrastructure. The acquisition follows Peel NRE’s earlier expansion in the area, which includes the nearby Fiddler’s Ferry power plant.
Peel NRE development director Kieran Tames said the decision to buy the old CF Fertilisers site will allow for necessary expansion and reinforces the company’s close long-term association with Cheshire West and Chester. It will be working to ensure these goals align with the area’s ‘growth, skills and sustainability’ objectives.
