Teesside to be major site of hydrogen pipework scheme given £96m funding boost today
The move will protect jobs, keep the lights on and deliver infrastructure needed to support UK’s future hydrogen economy
Teesside is set to come a major player in a new hydrogen pipeline project which was today given the announcement of a £96m funding boost.
Ofgem has today announced the funding to repurpose and build new gas pipelines to carry hydrogen across the north of the country.
East Coast Hydrogen will see natural gas replaced by low-carbon hydrogen across the Humber region, Yorkshire, the East Midlands and the North East of the UK, helping with power generation and heavy industry, as well as protecting jobs, keeping the lights on and supporting the UK’s future hydrogen economy.
Three major sites of the project will be in Teesside, Darlington and Newcastle. The project brings together over 120 organisations across key sectors, including hydrogen producers, power generators, industry, energy networks, airports and hospitals.
National Gas, Cadent and Northern Gas Networks (NGN) are celebrating the news, as it paves the way for a hydrogen-ready pipeline network to be delivered over the next decade.
Ofgem has confirmed its support and the funding will be used to carry out engineering, planning and public consultation on proposals. This follows the £500million announced by Government last week for regional hydrogen transport and storage networks as part of the Spending Review.
It will pave the way for delivery of a hydrogen-ready pipeline network which is expected to be delivered over the next decade and make a major contribution to the UK’s decarbonisation efforts. This latest funding ensures work can continue at pace on the infrastructure needed to deliver that transformation.
Jon Butterworth, Chief Executive Officer at National Gas, said:
This funding marks a crucial step in building the infrastructure needed to unlock the UK’s hydrogen economy at scale.
“At National Gas, we’re committed to enabling the UK’s transition to a low-carbon energy system that is secure, cost-effective, and future-ready. Project Union, our plan to create a 1,500-mile core hydrogen network across Great Britain, will start in the East Coast and this funding will support that ambition.By repurposing existing infrastructure, we will connect hydrogen production, storage, and demand, helping to deliver flexible electricity, decarbonise industry, and protect jobs in some of the UK’s most energy-intensive regions.”
Steve Fraser, Chief Executive Officer at Cadent, said:
This funding marks a major milestone and is very welcome news: not just in terms of this specific project, but for the UK’s entire energy transition.
“East Coast Hydrogen is exactly the type of pioneering partnership that’s needed on the path towards achieving net zero. It not only lays the foundations for the creation of a new low-carbon network, but it will also protect jobs, support industry, and help deliver on national ambitions for growth via the creation of new green skills and jobs, with the benefits being felt right across the country.”
Mark Horsley, Chief Executive at Northern Gas Networks, said:
Ofgem’s decision signals confidence in the region’s ability to help lead the UK’s hydrogen transition and opens the door to thousands of jobs and future investment in key industrial heartlands.
“East Coast Hydrogen is expected to move into the delivery phase later this decade, with the aim of starting hydrogen flows from the early 2030s.”
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Teesside to be major site of hydrogen pipework scheme given £96m funding boost today, source
