ExxonMobil is now in the main construction phase of a new low-sulphur diesel facility at the Fawley refinery.
Representing a more than £800 million (€923 million) investment, the facility will help to meet Britain’s energy needs today and build the foundations for lower-carbon fuels in the future with the addition of a new hydrogen plant.
Increasing low-sulphur diesel production at Fawley by 40% should reduce imports into Britain by a quarter while helping to meet demand from sectors including heavy transport, emergency response, agriculture and industry.
The new hydrogen plant builds on over 50 years of experience with hydrogen production onsite and could enable the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as the energy transition evolves.
“This is a major investment by ExxonMobil that will see domestically produced fuel reduce Britain’s reliance on imports and the emissions associated with its transport from around the world,’’ said Nick Bone, Fawley site manager.
“We are not only powering the country’s needs today, we are building the foundations that could help to lower emissions from hard to decarbonise sectors such as air travel and marine transport in the future.
“It is our proven ability to deliver technology at scale that, as a founding member of The Solent Cluster, will see Fawley play a key role in the country’s ambitions for net-zero.”
The current investment will support more than 400 construction roles and over 100 suppliers, and help secure existing skilled jobs at Fawley.
It is anticipated that the first product will be available to customers next year, with full production capacity on-line in 2025.
Sir Julian Lewis MP, New Forest East added: “This exciting new development offers immediate economic advantages and anticipates future technologies to protect the environment. It is a major step on a very important industrial journey.”
ExxonMobil Fawley investment to strengthen Britain’s energy security
