Overview
- BP formally pulled its Development Consent Order application, telling the government the hydrogen plant and the proposed data centre cannot occupy the same parcel, with the council granting primary consent for the data centre in August.
- In its withdrawal letter, BP cited a deterioration in local hydrogen demand as major industrial consumers scaled back or delayed decarbonisation, raising commercial risk.
- BP said it remains committed to other Teesside projects, including Net Zero Teesside Power and the Northern Endurance Partnership.
- Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen welcomed the decision, saying it clears the way for a large private investment and thousands of jobs tied to the data centre proposal.
- Coverage reported ministerial differences over the competing plans, with the energy secretary delaying a ruling on BP’s DCO before the company withdrew and the energy department stating the decision was BP’s.