Plans for a massive 125km pipeline, which will see hydrogen stored in Northwich salt mines, have reached another milestone.
A statutory consultation has now closed on plans for the HyNet North West project, with 547 members of the public attending events both in person and online, and 150 pieces of feedback being submitted.
The proposals are for the UK’s first 100 per cent hydrogen pipeline and comprise the construction, operation and maintenance of up to 125km of new pipelines to distribute hydrogen produced at Stanlow Manufacturing Complex to several industrial gas customers across the North West.
HyNet's partner organisation INOVYN is currently repurposing salt caverns in Northwich, which currently store natural gas, to store 35,000 tonnes of hydrogen at the south part of Holford Brinefields in Lostock Gralam.
Hydrogen is considered a low carbon alternative to fossil fuels and the pipeline itself will be underground, with approximately 10 ‘Hydrogen Above Ground Installations’ (HAGIs) required along the pipeline route.
Throughout the 11 consultation events, which launched on October 1, a range of topics were covered ranging from traffic movements, construction management and environmental protection.
Cadent Gas, the company behind the proposals, said it will now consider all feedback shared before submitting a Development Consent Order application to the Planning Inspectorate and Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
Rob Donovan, project director at Cadent’s HyNet North West Hydrogen Pipeline, said: “We thank all those who came to speak with us and share their views on our project throughout this consultation. The invaluable insights gained will help us to develop the best possible pipeline route.
"The feedback we received will be considered and inform our future planning along with technical and environmental works.
"There will be further opportunities for local people to have their say on the project during the Development Consent Order process. We look forward to continuing our engagement in the future.”
More information is available about the project and future consultations on the project's website at www.hynethydrogenpipeline.co.uk.
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