A consultation event outlining proposals for the UK’s first waste-to-hydrogen facility near Manston Airport will be held on Saturday 24 January at Manston Village Hall.
Hydrogen TE Ltd (HTE) will be submitting a planning application to Kent County Council (KCC) to deliver a clean energy project. The planned £120 million facility will convert non-recyclable household and commercial waste into clean hydrogen fuel, reusable CO₂ for industrial use and a safe byproduct for construction – all with low emissions and up to 70% energy recovery.
HTE say the proposed scheme is being developed to enhance the local biodiversity within the site boundary, while minimising its environmental footprint.
HTE is working closely with the Health and Safety Executive to ensure the facility exceeds all safety standards.
More than 130 jobs are expected to be created, including some 100 operational roles and 30 positions at a dedicated training and education base. The aim is for the centre to also serve as a national hub for hydrogen innovation, supporting skills development and championing sustainable energy practices.
If approved by Kent County Council, the 13-acre site will become the UK’s first plant to convert household and commercial waste into clean hydrogen.
Michael Engsted, Managing Director of THE, said: “Every element of this facility is being designed to minimise environmental impact, maximise community value and set a new benchmark for sustainable industry.
“As we gear up to submitting the planning application, we are keen to hear from the local community on the plans and how we propose to fuel a greener future for us all.”
The consultation event will be held at Manston Village Hall in Preston Road, from 9:30am to 2pm.
The session will run as an informal drop in event, with representatives from HTE and the wider project team on hand.
Anyone unable to attend in person can view the consultation materials and download a feedback form via www.hte-manston.co.uk
The Manston scheme would be the firm’s first project. According to its website, a second scheme is being mooted for a site in Cymbran, Wales, with a suggested £200m investment.
Hyundai launched the world’s largest waste-to-hydrogen plant, capable of producing over 30,000 tons of hydrogen annually, last year.
Based in Seoul, the plant converts organic waste and plastic into eco-friendly hydrogen through advanced biogas and gasification processes.
Always curious how these companies pop up seemingly with zero capital and ambitious plans.
Gov.uk shows two company entries and it seems that the first company is owner of the second company but the first company has had a notice for compulsory strike-off. Doesn’t look to be a good start.
HYDROGEN TE (UK) LTD Company number 15301869 (listing Michael Engstead as one of the four shareholders) 20/01/2026 First Gazette for compulsory strike-off, statement of capital on 22/11/2023 as GBP 100, no accounts filed.
HYDROGEN TE (MANSTON) LTD Company number 15766772 listing HYDROGEN TE (LTD) as the majority shareholder, statement of capital on 07/06/2024 as GBP 100, no accounts filed.
Both companies now dissolved. Hardly compelling for a company supposedly building such high tech stuff. Their website is also run by an outfit that numbers building and construction firms among its main clients, and states that it has a major role in Reform’s strategy…
Don’t know where you get your information Phil. As of 24/1/26 both companies are active, not dissolved. LTE (UK) had a statutory notice ofcompulsory strike-off dated 20/1/26 and discontinued 21/1/26. Accounts were filed 16/1/26. LTE (Manston) has never been dissolved and doesn’t need to file until 7/3/26. Note I’m not suggesting anything about the companies, just correcting erroneous information, including mine.