Engineering solutions for some of the world’s most complex energy challenges

From offshore oil production to green hydrogen projects in the Himalayas, Rhizome Energy works on engineering challenges that few businesses ever encounter.

Based at The Nucleus since 2021, the specialist engineering company provides consultancy and delivers complete engineering, procurement and construction projects across the oil and gas, hydrogen and wider energy sectors.

Its work may often happen behind the scenes, but it supports vital infrastructure, emerging technologies and ambitious energy projects in the UK and overseas.

Specialist engineering with a global reach

Rhizome Energy was established in 2019 by two experienced engineers with backgrounds in marine technology and mechanical engineering.

The directors had worked together for many years before deciding to establish their own company, bringing extensive technical knowledge and practical industry experience to the business.

In the oil and gas sector, Rhizome Energy provides engineering support for floating production, storage and offloading vessels, commonly known as FPSOs.

These highly specialised ships are stationed near offshore oil fields, often for decades. They receive oil from surrounding wells, process it, store it and transfer it to tankers for onward transportation.

Alongside this established area of expertise, Rhizome Energy has increasingly expanded into renewable energy, particularly green hydrogen.

The company began developing its hydrogen work in 2021 and gained significant momentum from late 2022. Since then, it has contributed to several notable projects, including a hydrogen refuelling station near Coventry designed to support hydrogen-powered vehicles.

It has also delivered projects internationally.

In India, Rhizome Energy designed and commissioned an electrolyser system that produces hydrogen from water. The company also worked on a fuel cell generator installation in Leh, in the Himalayan region, at an altitude of approximately 3,400 metres.

The elevation created a significant technical challenge because the thinner air contains less oxygen than at sea level. The team had to make detailed adjustments on site to ensure the equipment could operate effectively.

For Rhizome Energy, taking on complex challenges is part of the company’s identity.

Each project provides an opportunity to solve difficult engineering problems, apply existing expertise in new environments and build knowledge that can support future work.

Supporting cleaner energy overseas

Rhizome Energy is also contributing to a UK Government-funded project near Cape Town in South Africa.

The project aims to replace diesel generators used by local clinics with cleaner hydrogen-based power systems, including fuel cells and electrolysers.

Reliable electricity is essential for these clinics to operate and serve their communities. By replacing diesel generation with hydrogen technology, the project has the potential to provide a cleaner and more sustainable source of power.

It is a strong example of how highly technical engineering work can also deliver meaningful practical and social benefits.

Why Rhizome Energy chose The Nucleus

Although Rhizome Energy works internationally, its base in Dartford remains an important part of how the business operates.

One of the company’s directors lives nearby, while The Nucleus offers convenient access to the M25 for client meetings and travel. Dartford’s wider transport connections also make it easier to reach London when required.

The location gives Rhizome Energy the connectivity it needs without the higher costs associated with maintaining an office in central London.

The company moved to The Nucleus in 2021 after outgrowing its previous workspace and looking for a more cost-effective, straightforward and supportive business environment.

As the company has expanded, The Nucleus has been able to support that growth.

Rhizome Energy initially occupied a smaller office and used meeting rooms when clients visited. It has since moved into a larger office with space to hold meetings within its own workspace.

That flexibility has allowed the company’s physical space to develop alongside the business.

A professional base for a growing team

Rhizome Energy now has a team of seven, supported by specialist international subcontractors when projects require additional expertise or physical construction work.

Its ambition is to continue securing new projects and expanding the team.

The Nucleus provides a stable professional base from which the company can manage complex work across multiple countries, welcome clients and continue developing its presence in the hydrogen sector.

The centre team has also helped Rhizome Energy make connections locally, including an introduction to Dartford Borough Council to discuss hydrogen and clean energy.

While the company operates in a highly specialised market, these local conversations remain valuable. They help the business understand regional priorities, explore opportunities and build relationships beyond its immediate sector.

Networking events at The Nucleus also give the team opportunities to meet the other businesses working around them and remain connected to the wider centre community.

Looking ahead

Rhizome Energy’s next phase will focus on winning more work, growing its team and continuing to expand its hydrogen capabilities.

The transition towards cleaner energy presents significant opportunities, but it also requires deep technical expertise, practical experience and the confidence to take on unfamiliar challenges.

Rhizome Energy has already demonstrated all three.

From offshore production vessels to hydrogen systems operating at extreme altitude, the company is helping to solve complex engineering problems across the world, while continuing to grow from its base at The Nucleus.

For a business working at the forefront of energy engineering, The Nucleus offers the connectivity, flexibility and professional environment needed to support that ambition.