Proposals are being drawn up for a 68-mile stretch from the Humber region towards West Yorkshire
The progress of the pipelines is expected to be determined through the Development Consent Order (DCO) planning process(Image: SWNS)
Up to 1,200 new jobs could be created as part of a £1.2bn pipeline plan to pump hydrogen power into two leading industrial clusters. Proposals are being laid down which could see two underground pipelines connecting hydrogen production with heavy industry and power generation across the Humber and Teesside regions.
An economic assessment estimates the combined scheme could deliver around £1.2bn of value, while also leading to around 1,200 jobs across the two local economies. The scheme – called the The East Coast Hydrogen for Northern Gas Networks project – is being driven forward by Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the gas distributor for the North East, northern Cumbria and Yorkshire.
The 68-mile route in the Humber will run from Saltend towards Ferrybridge, West Yorkshire, while the 39-mile Teesside pipeline plans to run through the industrial cluster from Newton Aycliffe to Skinningrove. Business leaders say the East Coast Hydrogen for Northern Gas Networks project will play a pivotal role in protecting and boosting jobs in the two industrial clusters, which also supporting investment and the decarbonisation of heavy industry.
By connecting the gas network to planned hydrogen production and storage through new and repurposed pipes, NGN says it can transport the low carbon gas to manufacturers of steel, chemicals, bricks and glass across Teesside and the Humber. Many industries rely on huge volumes of natural gas for high heat processes, making decarbonisation via electrification unviable. However, hydrogen – which doesn’t produce carbon when burned – can serve up an alternative low carbon option to natural gas.
NGN’s proposals will be classed as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) and are currently in the early first phase of the development process, which is focusing on a design, planning and costing study. In the coming months, NGN says communities will be able to give feedback on the proposals. Initial feedback will then help towards a more advanced design for the project, which will include information on potential impacts on the environment and communities.
Did you know you can make Hull Live a preferred source of Hull news in Google, which will mean you get more of our breaking news, exclusives, and must-read stories straight away? Here’s more information about what this means and how to do it – you can also do it straight away by clicking here .
The progress of both pipelines is expected to be determined through the Development Consent Order (DCO) planning process, which would require a decision from the Secretary of State. If successful, construction and connection would start in the 2030s.
Keith Owen, NGN head of energy Futures said: “Businesses in our industrial clusters use huge amounts of gas for high temperatures – some enough to heat the equivalent of 10,000 homes – meaning switching to an electric alternative would be extremely challenging. Hydrogen can provide the same heat as natural gas without the emissions, making it a realistic solution for industry to decarbonise while supporting growth and jobs in our industrial heartlands.
“We’re proud to be supporting those businesses across Teesside and Humber through our proposal and will be listening closely to local place-makers and communities over the coming months to make sure their views help to shape our plans.”
Luke Campbell, Mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire said: “The Humber is already an energy powerhouse, and these proposals could strengthen Hull and East Yorkshire’s role in supporting the UK’s energy security. We will continue to work with industry, government and partners across the Humber to ensure that investment in new energy infrastructure delivers good jobs and lasting benefits for local people and businesses.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen added: “The future of hydrogen is happening in Teesside, and this proposal is another step towards making sure our region remains the best place in the country to invest in the next generation of industry. Connecting hydrogen production with our major industrial sites will help us safeguard jobs and investment while giving local businesses the energy they need to grow for decades to come.”
Get all the latest headlines sent straight to your inbox for free with our newsletter. You can stay up to date with all the breaking news and top stories as they happen in Hull and East Yorkshire by clicking this link.