Frequently Asked Questions
We've compiled answers to some common questions below. If you have any questions which are not answered, please do visit our contact page and get in touch with us by email, phone or post.
Frequently asked questions
We are looking at how our network can connect planned hydrogen production and storage with heavy industry that relies on high temperature for heat and manufacturing processes. We’re developing a plan to submit to our regulator (Ofgem) in autumn 2027.
The plan is a known as a FEED study – a Front End Engineering Design. It means developing an early stage plan for how the network would be built, not actually building it yet. We will be seeking feedback throughout the project as our plans develop.
It includes proposing:
- Where the pipes would likely go
- What pipes and parts of the network need altering
- What permissions are needed
- An initial cost
Beyond the FEED stage, the design work will become more detailed with a higher degree of cost accuracy. A decision about whether to proceed will be made in the late 2020s or early 2030s, with construction and connections made in the 2030s.
Due to their scale, our plans would be classified as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs), and subject to Development Consent Orders (DCO). This means a decision about whether they proceed would ultimately be made by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
East Coast Hydrogen for Northern Gas Networks is a proposal to develop hydrogen pipelines connecting industry in the Humber and Teesside. We own and operate the gas network in the north east of England as well as most of Yorkshire and northern Cumbria. We deliver gas to 2.9 million homes and businesses ensuring they stay safe, warm and connected 365 days a year. We also provide the region’s rapid response when a smell of gas is reported – find out more on our website .
In addition to working on our own proposal, we’re collaborating with our fellow gas distributor, Cadent and National Gas who look after the transmission network on the wider East Coast Hydrogen programme- find out more here.
We are currently speaking to key potential industrial users in the Humber and Teesside, including manufacturers of steel and bricks. Our current route allows us to deliver to businesses which have expressed interest in using hydrogen.
Many businesses rely on large volumes of gas to provide high temperature heat for their processes. They have plans to decarbonise and need a like for like gas replacement. Hydrogen doesn’t release carbon emissions when burned and can deliver high heat to meet industrial energy demand.
The hydrogen would only be provided to businesses that opt in and our plans do not affect domestic gas supplies.
We are proposing to build hydrogen networks in Teesside and the Humber, by repurposing some pipeline and building new sections. This is because these areas are two of the UK’s biggest industrial emissions clusters. Lots of industries in these areas are telling us they need hydrogen to decarbonise and there is also planned production of hydrogen locally.
The proposed Humber pipeline is 68 miles (110km) long, stretching from Saltend to near Knottingley.
The proposed Teesside pipeline is 39 miles (65km) long and runs from near Newton Aycliffe to Skinningrove on the east coast.
Whilst the project is at an early stage and progress is uncertain we may not need to speak to you if you own land along the proposed route. If we do need to speak to you, for example to request permission to complete a survey on your land, we will be in touch.
If you have any feedback or questions at this stage, we’re happy to hear from you – please use the details on our contact page.
We will need to carry out some ecological and environmental surveys along parts of our route. The results will help us to better understand the current conditions and will help shape the development of our plans.
If we’d like to access your land we will contact you. If you have any questions or feedback in the meantime, get in touch via our contact page.
Our project would use a mix of repurposed existing gas pipes, and some new-build sections. These pipes will be primarily located underground, and while there may be some disruption during the build, there would be little impact on the landscape once complete.
There would be some associated infrastructure, including a small number of Above Ground Installations (AGIs). These are the connection and control points of a hydrogen gas network, including Pressure Reduction Installations (PRI) and district governors. New sections of pipeline may be required to maintain supply to natural gas users.
This would be a major infrastructure project for our region, creating many jobs during construction and attracting investment. Most vitally it will protect industrial jobs in the clusters.
We estimate the East Cost Hydrogen for Northern Gas Networks project would create an additional 1,200 jobs and boost the region’s economy by £1.2bn.
We want to minimise the impact of our work and will be seeking feedback throughout this phase, so we can make plans which take account of the environment.
The pipelines will be located predominantly underground. During our planning we have aimed to avoid areas with a high population density, giving preference to rural and agricultural areas. We have included appropriate separation distances to residential properties, buildings such as schools and hospitals, and significant infrastructure such as the national transmission system. We have sought to avoid sensitive environmental features and minimised the number of major infrastructure crossings such as motorways, railway lines, A roads and main rivers.
The Front End Engineering Design study will enable us to accurately cost the work needed to create the network by repurposing and building pipes and infrastructure. This will help inform a decision about whether the scheme progresses.
Whilst the decision to go ahead is ultimately made at a national level, we are consulting with statutory bodies including local authorities and parish councils along the pipeline routes.
We are keen to hear local opinion and community knowledge which will help us refine our plans and will be consulting in due course.
Visit our contact us page to see how you can contact us via phone, email or post.
We are aware that there have been a number of recent proposals for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) in Teesside and the Humber.
Our project is separate and therefore not reliant on the progress of these projects.