Partnership supports major Solent decarbonisation efforts

ExxonMobil, operator of the Fawley petrochemical complex alongside Southampton Water, is backing the first major decarbonisation initiative designed to reduce emissions from the Solent region and beyond.

The energy gas and chemicals multinational is a founding partner of The Solent Cluster, a cross-sector collaboration working to develop expertise in the production and distribution of hydrogen fuel for industries such as aviation and maritime as well as power generation for business and domestic use. Complementary aims are the potential capture and safe storage of up to 10 million tonnes of CO2 a year from industry and other emission sources.

Among them are Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, SSE, RWE, Southampton Football Club, Associated British Ports, British Airways, cruise line Carnival and Airbus Defence and Space.

Public sector involvement includes local authorities such as Hampshire County Council, Southampton City Council, the Royal Navy and various borough and district councils.

Mr Crocker said: “At ExxonMobil we’re not just looking at decarbonising our own operations, but also providing that as a solution to third parties.”

He added that ExxonMobil and the other cluster partners would work to flesh out plans over the coming months. and that ExxonMobil ‘’will look at whichever business models make most sense and are not ruling anything out at this stage.”

Matt Crocker, Senior Vice President for strategy and business development at ExxonMobil’s low carbon solutions arm, said: “This is the cluster for the southern coast of the United Kingdom, which obviously is a very important population centre and important for industry and other connectivity – so the Solent has a big influence, not just in the local industries but further in the country.”

Alongside fellow founding partners Solent Local Enterprise Partnership and the University of Southampton, there are more than 55 member organisations already on board.

Mr Crocker’s views were echoed by Dan Ammann, president of ExxonMobil Low Carbon Solutions, who said: “This is an important opportunity to decarbonise the Solent region, and we are proud to be a part of this collaborative effort to significantly reduce CO2 emissions from multiple sectors.”

Speaking at the launch of the cluster, Anne-Marie Mountifield, Chief Executive of Solent LEP, said: “Decarbonisation is at the heart of our economic strategy for the area and the creation of the Solent Cluster will sit alongside our ambition to pioneer approaches to climate change adaptation and decarbonisation, linked to our coastal setting, and establishing real expertise which other regions - nationally and globally - can learn from. The Solent Cluster will provide a platform for the excellent work that is already taking place and the partnership has a unique opportunity to affect real change.”

Comax UK celebrates 30 years in business

Founded in Dorset in 1992 Comax UK, expert supplier of commercial catering, hospitality, janitorial and care products, celebrated 30 years of success delivering to Hampshire, Dorset and surrounding counties.

Over the last 30 years, Comax has grown to become one of the largest wholesalers in the South central region, trusted by customers across a broad range of industries, including hospitality, commercial cleaning, care and education.

Comax was born from years of combined experiences, journeys, relationships and shared knowledge; they continue to put staff, customers and suppliers at the heart of the business today. By maintaining strong supplier relationships and investing in staff members, Comax ensures they’re able to provide market leading quality products, innovation and support to all their customers.