An Australian energy company has opened its first UK office on the north-east Essex coastline.

Rux Energy, a hydrogen storage firm based in Sydney, would operate out of Freeport East in Harwich.

The freeport, which also covers the Port of Felixstowe and Gateway 14 in Suffolk, offers tax and duty breaks to encourage business activity.

Its chief executive, Steve Beel, said Rux Energy would help to “build a cluster of progressive clean energy” in the area.

The engineering office would facilitate “closer collaboration” between Rux Energy and its partners, the company said.

It would also help with the development and deployment of its nanoporous materials, which enable efficient hydrogen storage.

“This new office will allow us to better serve our customers and partners, and help accelerate the adoption of hydrogen as a clean energy source,” said Jehan Kanga, founder of the energy business.