Dust fallout incident declared around Cheshire oil refinery

Residents of Ellesmere Port were recently affected by a dust fallout incident at the Stanlow oil refinery, operated by EET Fuels (formerly Essar). The unexpected release of "non-toxic" dust occurred due to the unplanned shutdown of a process unit at the refinery. Although the company quickly assured the public that the dust posed no health or safety risks, concerns about air quality and communication delays sparked unrest among the community. 

EET Fuels issued a formal apology, acknowledging the disruption caused by the fallout. The company explained that the dust release was promptly addressed, but warned residents that increased noise and flaring could continue as the refinery restarted the affected unit. Despite these reassurances, many residents were distressed by the incident, with social media flooded with images and videos of dust clouds emanating from the plant. 

Local MP Justin Madders confirmed he had received numerous complaints from constituents about air quality. He plans to raise these concerns with the Environment Agency to ensure the refinery takes all necessary precautions to prevent future incidents. Cheshire West and Chester Council leader Louise Gittins also expressed frustration over delayed communication, emphasizing the need for transparency during industrial incidents that affect public health and safety. 

The dust fallout comes at a time when the Stanlow refinery is undergoing significant transformation. Long known as one of the largest emitters of carbon dioxide in the region, the refinery is now playing a pivotal role in the government-backed HyNet project. The £3 billion initiative aims to transform Stanlow into one of the world’s first decarbonized refineries, producing hydrogen and significantly reducing CO2 emissions through carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. 

Richard Holden, project manager for EET Hydrogen, explained that the refinery currently emits around 2 million tonnes of CO2 per year. Through HyNet and other initiatives, Stanlow aims to reduce those emissions by 90%. This will be achieved by capturing CO2 produced during hydrogen production and storing it in depleted gas fields under Liverpool Bay. The refinery’s decarbonization efforts are seen as crucial to meeting the UK’s ambitious net-zero carbon targets by 2050. 

Stanlow’s strategic role in the HyNet project includes the development of two hydrogen production facilities. The first, HPP1, is expected to be operational by 2027, generating 350MW of hydrogen. A second, larger facility, HPP2, is slated to produce 1GW of hydrogen. Together, these projects will significantly reduce the refinery’s environmental impact while ensuring a steady supply of cleaner fuels to industrial clients across the region. 

Despite the refinery’s ambitious decarbonization goals, the recent dust incident has heightened concerns about the risks associated with industrial operations in Ellesmere Port. Although EET Fuels emphasized that the dust was non-hazardous, residents remain wary, particularly given the delayed communication from the refinery and local authorities. In response, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advised individuals who experience respiratory or skin irritation to seek medical attention as a precautionary measure. 

Incidents like this underscore the delicate balance between industrial activity and community safety. As Stanlow transitions to a decarbonized future, the refinery must work to build trust with its neighbors through more transparent and proactive communication. While the company’s environmental efforts are laudable, maintaining public confidence will be key as it embarks on this complex journey toward sustainability. 

Stanlow’s transformation into a decarbonized refinery is part of a broader trend in the energy sector, where traditional oil and gas companies are investing in cleaner technologies. However, as the recent dust fallout demonstrates, such transitions are not without challenges. The refinery’s long-term success will depend not only on technological innovations like hydrogen production and carbon capture, but also on how well it addresses the concerns of the local community and manages the impacts of its operations.