THE Furness MP said she was ‘delighted’ the government confirmed it would fund a major green hydrogen project in Barrow.

MP for Barrow and Furness Michelle Scrogham welcomed the announcement in the budget that the Government will fund the Barrow Green Hydrogen project, run by energy company Carlton Power.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves told parliament she is providing funding for 11 green hydrogen projects across England, Scotland and Wales as part of a bid to make Britain a ‘clean energy superpower’.

Ms Reeves said: “They will be amongst the first commercial scale projects anywhere in the world including in Bridgend, East Renfrewshire and Barrow-in-Furness.”

The funding will support the development of a green hydrogen project in Barrow powered by 100 per cent renewables, which will be the very first of its type to be built in the UK.

The scheme is expected to employ around 200 people during its construction, and around 10 people full-time once in operation.

Mrs Scrogham said: “I am delighted that this Government is prioritising investment in the future economic growth of this country.

“Today’s announcement shows that this government is willing to back Barrow and Furness to be at the heart of that renewal, with our community taking a leading role in driving forward the important green energy transition.

“Our area has the potential to be a national centre for that transition which is so vital to rebuilding our country’s economy”.

The 30MW scheme has been brought forward in collaboration with Kimberly-Clark. It will provide the business with power and has the potential to supply other manufacturing companies in the area.

When built, it will reduce the company’s reliance on natural gas as part of its global decarbonisation strategy.

The project secured local planning consent in 2023 and will be built on land adjacent to Kimberly-Clark’s facility on Park Road (A590).

It is now targeted to enter operation in 2026/27.