HULL- Following the Government’s recent announcement of major investment in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), an international consortium has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore a transformational clean energy initiative on the Humber.
Chiltern Vital Group (CVG), the owners of the Berkeley Science and Technology Park and partners in the Yorkshire Energy Park Freeport, and their international maritime and energy investment partners, Freepan Holdings Corp., have signed an agreement committing them to evaluating the feasibility of delivering a fast-track interim 500 MW modular decarbonised LNG floating power barge solution, and a longer-term investment in UK regulator-approved British and international Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology on the Humber. px Group, party to the MoU and long-term owners and operators of Saltend Chemicals Park, are supporting these feasibility studies and the broader collaboration.
The project aims to address critical energy shortages currently facing UK industrial regions, where grid connection delays can stretch into the 2030s. These delays are, in turn, leading to postponed and sometimes cancelled major investment decisions in crucial industries such as AI, advanced manufacturing and cyber security, all vital for the UK’s economic growth and security.
“Working with UK and international financial and technology partners offers a unique opportunity for the Humber..”
Chris Turner, CEO of CVG and Chairman of the Yorkshire Energy Park
Using proven and already deployed technology, fully endorsed by Lloyd’s Register, the objective is to deploy the first 100, 120 and 200 MW units interim energy solution on the Humber by 2028. This deployment would not only attract the aforementioned industries to the Humber Freeport but also support the recently approved £125 million Hull City Council and £45 million Vital Energi district heating projects by providing a major source of waste heat. It would also facilitate the return of large-scale agri-tech industry to the Humber.
Karl Turner, Member of Parliament for Hull East, 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’m 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, CEO of CVG and Chairman of the Yorkshire Energy Park, said:
“Working with UK and international financial and technology partners offers 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.”
“I’m 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.”
Karl Turner MP
Panagiotis Natsiopoulos, Chartered Fellow, Chairman & CEO 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., a transition clean energy developer in the full value chain of LNG, Hydrogen,White/Green Ammonia, brings international capital, technical expertise, and a deep commitment to accelerating Britain’s energy transition. Our immediate focus is delivering floating decarbonised power capacity by 2028.”