A proposed green energy hub in north Devon could house one of Europe’s largest hydrogen plants, experts say.

Levelling Up funding totalling £15.6m has been set aside by Torridge District Council to build the Clean Maritime Innovation Centre at Appledore.

Bosses said the centre would work with ship builders to build clean energy vessels.

The Tower Group is proposing to build a hydrogen production plant nearby to supply the fuel for these vessels.

Alex King, chief executive, said: “We are already behind the curve.

“We need the boats in the water now and the infrastructure already being built.

“We know there will be around 200 new vessels with zero emissions required off the coast of Devon and Cornwall and South Wales by the mid 2030s.”