Views sought on plans for 93-mile hydrogen pipeline

People are being asked for their views on a major hydrogen pipeline, which would travel underneath part of Nottinghamshire.

The H2East Pipeline: Humber to Nottinghamshire - being led by gas distribution network Cadent - would see a 93-mile (150 km) pipeline built.

The company hopes that major manufacturers, like British Sugar, which currently rely on natural gas for essential operations, will switch to the low-carbon alternative.

A public consultation, including details of the route, will run for six weeks until 14 April.

The project, which is part of East Coast Hydrogen - a collaboration between Cadent, National Gas and Northern Gas Networks - aims to connect planned hydrogen production and storage with industrial users.

The proposals could mean that manufacturers of steel, chemicals, bricks, food and others would be able to switch from natural gas, which consists of methane, to low-carbon hydrogen.

Cadent said the proposed pipeline from Immingham in the Humber to Newark in Nottinghamshire would run largely underground.

It would also include some "above ground" infrastructure at certain parts along the route.

During the consultation, Cadent will be presenting its plans at a series of information events, which are due to take place in Newark at South Clifton Coronation Hall and Egmanton Village Hall on 21 March.

Further drop-in sessions are set to take place at Norwell Village Hall in Carlton-on-Trent, and South Muskham and Little Carlton Village Hall in Newark on 25 March.

Adam Knight, project director of H2East Pipeline: Humber to Nottinghamshire at Cadent, said: "We will be listening carefully to what businesses and local communities tell us.

"Their views will help shape our proposals, including the details of the route."

The project is expected to go through the Government's Development Consent Order (DCO) planning process, which could take up to five years.

Last June, the government announced plans to invest more than £500m in hydrogen infrastructure in Britain's industrial heartlands.

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