Northern Gas Networks (NGN) has outlined proposals for two underground pipelines. This proposal will connect hydrogen production with heavy industry and power generation across the Humber and Teesside regions.
The East Coast Hydrogen for Northern Gas Networks project is expected to play a vital role in protecting and boosting local jobs in the industrial clusters. This will support investment and helping to decarbonise heavy industry.
By connecting the gas network to planned hydrogen production and storage through a combination of repurposed and new-build pipes, NGN aims to transport low carbon hydrogen to industrial manufacturers. This includes manufacturers of steel, chemicals, bricks and glass across Teesside and the Humber.
Many of these industries currently rely on large volumes of natural gas for high heat processes, making decarbonisation via electrification challenging.
Hydrogen, which does not produce carbon when burned, offers an alternative low carbon option to natural gas. This supports heavy industry in its transition while also acting as a feedstock for clean power.
NGN’s proposals will be classed as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs). They are currently in the early first phase of the development process, focusing on design, planning and costing.
Communities will be able to share their feedback in the coming months. This will help NGN t0 understand key themes and issues of importance.
Following this initial feedback, a more advanced design will be developed, including further detail on how potential impacts on the environment and local communities have been assessed. This has been done alongside additional opportunities to comment on the updated proposals.
Project overview and proposed routes
The 39-mile Teesside pipeline is planned to run through the industrial cluster from Newton Aycliffe to Skinningrove. In addition, the 68-mile route in the Humber would run from Saltend towards Ferrybridge, West Yorkshire.
An economic assessment has estimated the combined scheme could deliver around £1.2 billion of value. It could also support up to 1,200 jobs across both local economies.
The progress of both pipelines is expected to be determined through the Development Consent Order (DCO) planning process. This would require a decision from the Secretary of State.
If approved, construction and connection could begin in the 2030s.
Supporting industry and regional growth
Keith Owen, our 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.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said:
“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.”
Luke Campbell MBE, 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.”
Watch: NGN’s hydrogen pipeline proposals explained
Find out more about East Coast Hydrogen Project
Learn more about the proposals by visiting the project website, visit the East Coast Hydrogen project website.
NGN’s project forms part of the wider East Coast Hydrogen collaboration with National Gas and Cadent. Bringing together partners to develop a hydrogen pipeline network connecting production and storage with power generation and heavy industry.