The Vision
Manston Hydrogen Park is a flagship development demonstrating how advanced waste-to-hydrogen technology can accelerate the transition to a low-carbon, circular economy. Located in Manston, the facility will transform non-recyclable waste into clean hydrogen, providing a sustainable alternative to landfill while supporting industrial decarbonisation. Processing up to 44,000 tonnes of residual waste each year, the plant will generate up to 8,000 tonnes of low-carbon hydrogen annually.
This will supply local industry with clean fuel, alongside captured CO₂ for commercial reuse and inert aggregate for construction, ensuring a fully circular process with no waste outputs. The £120 million scheme will deliver significant social and economic value, creating nearly 400 jobs during construction and around 100 permanent roles. At its heart, a dedicated innovation and visitor centre will act as a hub for education, research and community engagement, helping to inspire the next generation in hydrogen and renewable energy technologies.
Our Contribution
Hilson Moran was appointed to the project following recommendation by Lichfield’s, supporting the delivery of a first-of-its-kind facility. Our interdisciplinary role spans environmental, acoustic and building services expertise. Early-stage ground investigations were undertaken due to the site’s history as a former military testing location, alongside targeted ecological surveys to inform responsible development.
We are providing MEP design for the innovation and visitor centre, creating a flexible and efficient environment for education and engagement. Our team is also delivering environmental and building acoustics strategies, balancing operational performance with community considerations. In parallel, we are supporting the environmental permitting process with the Environment Agency, helping to ensure the scheme meets regulatory requirements.
Design for People
The project creates long-term value through employment, education and community engagement. The innovation and visitor centre will offer an accessible environment for students, researchers and the wider public. Designed to explain the hydrogen production process, the facility will support STEM learning, research collaboration and industry engagement. By establishing a destination for knowledge sharing, Manston Hydrogen Park will help build skills and understanding in the UK’s hydrogen sector.
Design for Planet
Manston Hydrogen Park applies circular economy principles by converting waste into low-carbon resources. Producing hydrogen from non-recyclable materials reduces greenhouse gas emissions and supports the decarbonisation of local industry, transport and energy systems. The capture and reuse of CO₂, alongside the production of reusable aggregate, ensures all outputs are repurposed. This approach supports the UK’s net zero ambitions while demonstrating how integrated energy and resource systems can deliver measurable environmental benefits.
