EnergyPathways plc (AIM: EPP) has signed a collaboration agreement with Associated British Ports to assess the Port of Barrow as the proposed onshore base for its Marram Energy Storage Hub (MESH) project.
The MESH development is classified as a nationally significant infrastructure project and is designed to strengthen UK energy security while helping reduce long-term energy costs for consumers.
The project plans to combine compressed air energy storage (CAES), natural gas storage and hydrogen storage within a large-scale integrated energy system, with commercial operations potentially beginning in 2031.
Under the agreement, the parties will evaluate the feasibility of constructing operational facilities for compressed air and gas/hydrogen storage, alongside associated connection infrastructure. The study will also examine the potential development of hydrogen production and graphite manufacturing facilities linked to the wider project.
The proposed hub would be centred around Port of Barrow and is expected to align closely with the UK government’s energy transition and industrial development objectives.
EnergyPathways said the initiative also complements the government-backed Team Barrow programme, which aims to support economic growth, infrastructure investment and industrial capability in the region.
Management believes the collaboration with ABP represents an important milestone in advancing MESH, which could become a strategically important component of the UK’s future low-carbon energy infrastructure.
