Our current proposals
Cadent's HyNet North West Hydrogen Pipeline includes the construction, operation and maintenance of around 125 kilometres (approximately 77 miles) of new gas transportation infrastructure. The pipeline will vary in diameter along the route between 12 inches to 48 inches and will connect a number of defined end points (outlined in the table below), distributing hydrogen to industry and blending hydrogen into the existing gas network in the North West.
We are currently at an early stage in our work. So far, we have identified a broad route corridor within which the pipeline could be routed. We have also identified search areas for where our Hydrogen Above Ground Installations could potentially be located.
We held our first, non-statutory stage of consultation on these early proposals from 26 January 2022 to 11 March 2022. This consultation has now closed.
Thank you to everyone who took part in the consultation and came along to one of our eight in-person and two online events. We're currently considering all the feedback we've received, alongside further technical and environmental work, as we work to develop a more detailed design for the pipeline network.
We will present this more detailed design, alongside our preliminary environmental work, at our second, statutory consultation this autumn, during which people will have another opportunity to provide feedback.
To learn more about how we developed our proposals, click here. To view our proposals in more detail, view our interactive map here.
| Defined end points | Why it's needed |
|---|---|
| Hydrogen production facility at Stanlow Manufacturing Complex | To provide a source of hydrogen to supply the pipeline network |
| Hydrogen storage facility, near Northwich | To allow hydrogen to be stored at times of peak supply and released into the network to meet demand |
| Blending to the existing gas network, near Warburton and Partington | To allow hydrogen to be blended with natural gas and supplied into the pipeline network |
| A cluster of industrial operations across the project area | To allow hydrogen to be blended with natural gas and supplied into the pipeline network |
Consultation coming soon
Our second round of consultation on more detailed proposals will run from 12 September 2022 to 10 November 2022. Click the link below to be notified when it launches.
Register for updatesThe project
The HyNet North West Hydrogen Pipeline is essential to unlocking the benefits and ambitions of HyNet North West.
Find out moreWhat is blended hydrogen?
Blended hydrogen is when we mix hydrogen (up to 20% by volume) into the existing natural gas pipelines. This hydrogen and natural gas mix is less carbon intensive, reducing the environmental impact of the energy we use in our homes and businesses while allowing existing domestic appliances, such as our hobs and boilers, to keep working without any changes.
The pipeline
The pipeline will connect to the existing hydrogen plant at Stanlow Manufacturing Complex. This will be the source of hydrogen for onward distribution into the network. The pipeline will then continue to the ‘Hydrogen Hub’ at the centre of the network. The Central Hub will act as the connection and onward distribution point for users along the south, east and north route corridors.
For more information about how we could construct our pipeline, see here.
Spurs
In some areas, we have identified spurs off the route corridor. These are needed to take hydrogen from the main pipeline network to specific industrial users in the region. We expect that these spurs will use a smaller type of pipe and will include installations within roads, much like Cadent’s existing network.
Hydrogen Above Ground Installations (HAGIs)
The majority of our new infrastructure will be underground. However, at certain points along the pipeline, we’ll need some above ground equipment. We call these Hydrogen Above Ground Installations (HAGIs). This equipment helps maintain the correct pressure in the pipeline, as well as ensuring security of supply.
HAGI search areas have been identified within the route corridor based on points along the pipeline network where connections or block valves are required. We currently anticipate needing around 14 HAGIs and have identified search areas for where these could be located.
What do HAGIs look like?
Typically, HAGIs require a range of above ground equipment and structures. These structures are usually around 1.5 to 2 metres tall. HAGI sites vary in size, but typically range between 0.5 and two hectares. One hectare is around the size of a football pitch.
Have your say
We want to hear your views. There are plenty of ways for you to submit your feedback on our proposals for Cadent's HyNet North West Hydrogen Pipeline.
Leave feedbackPlease note, the deadline for submitting feedback is at 23:59 on 10 November 2022.