Schroders Greencoat LLP, the specialist energy transition investment manager of Schroders Capital, has acquired a majority stake in Meld Energy for an undisclosed amount. Meld Energy is a large-scale UK green hydrogen developer with ambitions to produce over 10% of the country's electrolytic hydrogen, powered by renewable energy. This acquisition marks a significant move within the rapidly expanding green hydrogen sector.
Meld Energy’s core mission involves developing an international portfolio of green hydrogen production facilities designed to supply low and zero carbon fuels for diverse applications, including industry, road transport, shipping, and aviation. Its flagship project is a planned 100MW green hydrogen facility at the Saltend Chemicals Park in Hull. This project, which has received planning consent, is anticipated to bring more than £200 million of investment to the Humber Freeport, fostering local economic growth, creating jobs, and reducing carbon emissions within the park by 20%.
For Schroders Greencoat, already established as the UK’s largest investment manager in green hydrogen with over 300 MW under development, this acquisition serves to strengthen its leading market position and enhance its development capabilities. The firm offers established expertise in transition infrastructure, asset operation, and the intricacies of the hydrogen market. Through this integration, Schroders Greencoat aims to provide comprehensive support for Meld Energy's projects, guiding them from late-stage development through construction and into operations.
The strategic alignment between the two entities is evident. Schroders Greencoat brings expert capital, specialized in-house engineering understanding, and a proven history of collaboration with industrial partners and government bodies. Meld Energy’s project pipeline, particularly its Saltend development and other projects in strategic locations, complements Schroders Greencoat's investment focus on robust energy transition assets. The combined entity is now positioned to accelerate the development of Meld Energy’s projects, further contributing to the decarbonisation of UK industries and advancing the broader green hydrogen economy.