Bid to create UK's first regional hydrogen network

Four energy companies are working together to bid for government funding to develop the UK's first regional hydrogen transport and storage network.

National Gas, Centrica, Equinor and SSE Thermal aim to secure about £500m of funding to develop the network, which will connect sites across the Humber region.

"This is a competitive process that will determine where the UK's first integrated hydrogen network is built," a spokesperson for the four companies said.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) said the government's hydrogen strategy would drive clean energy investment, as well as creating thousands of skilled jobs.

The Humber Hydrogen network would connect projects across the region, including Aldbrough Hydrogen Storage, H2H Saltend and Keadby Next Generation Power Station.

Ian Radley, chief commercial officer at National Gas, said: "We believe the Humber is the obvious choice to be the home of Britain's first hydrogen network.

"Nowhere else in Britain can match what it offers in industrial demand, infrastructure, supply chains, geological storage and skilled people who can unlock Britain's clean power potential."

Senior figures from SSE Thermal, Centrica and Equinor echoed his sentiments.

Meanwhile, Richard Gwilliam, chairman of the Humber Energy Board, described the bid as a potential "game-changer" for the region.

The bid also received support from local MPs.

Melanie Onn, MP for Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes, said: "The Humber is the ideal place to locate the UK's first hydrogen network, given its geology, geography and the wide range of key industries on both banks of the Humber Estuary that can benefit from its use."

Graham Stuart, MP for Beverley and Holderness, said: "If the country is to take advantage of key technologies, reduce emissions, create jobs and cut bills, we need action.

"That's why we need the government to support hydrogen infrastructure in our area and bring investment back to the Humber."

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

A DESNZ spokesperson added: "The hydrogen industry will be crucial to our mission to become a clean energy superpower.

"Our ambitious hydrogen strategy will set out our vision and clear intentions for the UK's industry, including in the Humber, driving clean energy investment and unlocking thousands of skilled jobs up and down the country."

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