A major hydrogen programme that could save the UK 12 million tonnes of CO2 emissions per year is a step closer to reality after a property consultancy supported the launch of a detailed delivery plan for the project.
Fisher German is providing land services and developing the consenting strategy for Cadent as part of the East Coast Hydrogen project (ECH2), which will connect hydrogen plants to end users and other strategic networks in the Midlands and the North East, and decarbonise much of the existing natural gas network.
It has worked as part of a multi-disciplinary team for Cadent including Worley, J.Murphy & Sons, SLR and Camargue to contribute to the project’s Delivery Plan, which was officially presented to government in November at a launch event.
The project, which is jointly led by Cadent, Northern Gas Networks and National Gas, aims to connect up to 4 TWh of hydrogen storage by 2030, save up to 12 million tonnes of CO2 emissions per year by 2037, and help decarbonise industries such as power generation, aviation, and commercial business.
It is also estimated to retain and create around 360,000 jobs in Teesside, the Humber and the East Midlands.
Mark Gilkes, partner at Fisher German and its DCO (Development Consent Order) land strategy lead, said: “The launch of the Delivery Plan for East Coast Hydrogen is a significant step in making this ambitious project a reality.
“It provides more clarity for decision-makers in the public and private sector as to what the project might look like and how it can be realised.
“Our role is to progress the consenting strategy for Cadent through consultation with landowners and secure a DCO if needed.
“We are delighted we are continuing to play a major role in helping decarbonise the country’s gas network through our involvement in this pioneering plan.”
Sally Brewis, head of regional development at Cadent, said: “Our industrial and power generation customers in The Humber, South Yorkshire and the East Midlands are telling us they need hydrogen in huge quantities to decarbonise their operations – often hydrogen is their only viable option.
“They need a resilient pipeline network that connects them to storage and production sites and our Delivery Plan shows how that will happen. The carbon savings potential is enormous, and we’ll help to ensure that our treasured manufacturing industries can stay viable in a Net Zero world, maintaining employment in the regions.
“It is vital that projects such as this are supported and accelerated, enabling the customers who need hydrogen to make their own investment decisions for the energy transition. Cadent is proud to be a part of driving the future infrastructure that can help enable the achievement of these ambitions.”
