by Rebecca Hannant
A series of consultations will begin later this month to gather public opinion on the proposed Humber Hydrogen Pipeline.
Between April 22 and May 29, consultation events will be held at venues across the Humber region, including Easington, Goxhill, Paull, Aldbrough and Burstwick.
The project, proposed by Humber Hydrogen Transmission System – a partnership between Equinor, SSE Thermal and Centrica Energy Storage, which together form the Humber Hydrogen Hub – aims to support sustainable energy solutions in the region.
It also seeks to create infrastructure that connects hydrogen production, storage and usage, linking locations across Mid Holderness, South Holderness and the wider Humber area.
The Humber Hydrogen Pipeline is a proposed underground pipeline designed to transport hydrogen between large-scale production, usage and storage sites. If approved, it will primarily connect facilities at Saltend, Easington and Aldbrough, and will also provide a link under the river Humber to northern Lincolnshire.
A representative of Humber Hydrogen Pipeline said: “Hydrogen will be a key contributor to the transition towards net-zero as the energy industry scales up renewable and low-carbon solutions. Low-carbon energy, such as hydrogen, will be essential to secure a reliable energy supply, decarbonise energy-intensive industries and help achieve the UK Government’s net-zero target by 2050.
“The Humber is building on its reputation as the UK’s energy estuary by developing into a world-leading renewables and low carbon energy hub of the future, helping to reignite the industrial heartlands of the region. Decarbonising the Humber has already brought much-needed direct and supply chain jobs, as well as developing local skills and workforce opportunities, supported by the region’s schools, colleges and universities.
“Hydrogen is an important part of this low-carbon future, and infrastructure such as the Humber Hydrogen Pipeline is required to transport it between where it is produced, where it is used, and where it is stored. It will help continue the significant investment in the area and play a crucial role in the continued development of the new low carbon energy industry in the region.
“The ambition for the decarbonisation of the Humber is to transform the UK’s most carbon-intensive industrial cluster into a net-zero region, while future-proofing industries, creating jobs and delivering new opportunities. In turn, the Humber Hydrogen Pipeline can help to unlock a wider hydrogen economy in the UK.”
As part of the consultation, the three companies are seeking residents’ views on the proposed pipeline, which could extend up to 33 miles across the Holderness area of East Riding of Yorkshire and pass under the river Humber to North Lincolnshire. If given the go-ahead, the pipeline will connect Easington Terminal, Aldbrough Hydrogen Storage and Saltend chemicals plant. However, no decision will be made until 2029.
The companies will host drop-in events across community venues in the region, offering people a chance to meet the project team, ask questions and provide feedback.
In Holderness, consultations will take place on the following dates:
- Tuesday, April 29, from 4 to 8pm at Easington Community Hall, The Square, Easington, East Yorkshire HU12 0UT
- Wednesday, May 7, at Paull Village Hall, 67 Main Street, Paull HU12 8AW
- Friday, May 9, at Aldbrough Sports Hall, Recreation Field, Garton Road, Aldbrough HU11 4QA
- Saturday, May 10, at Burstwick Village Hall, Church Lane, Main Street, Burstwick HU12 9ES
For more information, visit: humberhydrogenpipeline.com/public-consultation