Concerns raised over hydrogen pipeline impact on River Dee
The Welsh Government has said the HyLine Gogledd hydrogen pipeline project could create thousands of jobs in north-east Wales, but concerns have been raised in the Senedd about its potential impact on the River Dee and protected habitats in Deeside.
The Wrexham–Deeside hydrogen pipeline would supply clean hydrogen energy across north-east Wales and link to the wider HyNet industrial cluster in north-west England.
It is backed by Wales and West Utilities, who plan to progress to design and planning phases if UK Government funding is approved in 2026.
Wrexham MS Lesley Griffiths said businesses on Wrexham Industrial Estate, one of the largest in western Europe, were supportive of the plan.
She asked ministers what discussions had been held with developers and with leaders in north-west England about cross-border connections.
Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government Rebecca Evans told the Senedd the project had the potential to deliver significant benefits.
She said: “HyLine Gogledd could save up to 27 million tonnes of cumulative carbon dioxide emissions by 2058, generating £17 billion of economic value and unlocking social value of up to £3.3 billion. Subject to approval for UK Government funding in 2026, Wales and West Utilities aim to commence the next phase of development, consisting of the front-end engineering design work alongside planning preparation.”
She added the project could create up to 6,000 local jobs and help establish a cross-border clean energy corridor between north Wales and north-west England.
North Wales MS Sam Rowlands said the project was about more than clean energy, pointing to its role in securing investment and industrial growth.
He also highlighted the work of Deeside-based company Syngas, which has developed a waste-to-hydrogen process, as an example of local innovation.
Rebecca Evans said the Welsh Government would publish a national hydrogen policy later this year, following a consultation that had drawn “substantial interest” from industry and the supply chain.
However, Labour MS for North Wales Carolyn Thomas set out detailed concerns about the environmental impact of the linked HyNet carbon dioxide pipeline, which she said crosses 26 watercourses including the River Dee and runs through communities and conservation sites.
She told the Senedd: “The new HyNet carbon dioxide pipeline part of this project crosses 26 watercourses, including the River Dee. It runs through communities, including a play area, agricultural land, it impacts the water vole, the Deeside newt special area of conservation, otters, badger setts, ancient hedgerows and grasslands. Mitigation has been poor, detailed ecological studies have not been completed, yet building work is starting next year.”
Ms Thomas warned that blue hydrogen technology remained unproven, saying: “Blue hydrogen is an expensive distraction and is looking for continued fossil fuel guarantees even with carbon capture. It’s failed in 10 out of 13 global projects and it is dirtier than actually burning natural gas.”
She asked how the Welsh Government would ensure due diligence for communities and the natural environment, pointing to obligations under the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act and Wales’s membership of the Beyond Oil & Gas Alliance.
Responding, Rebecca Evans said hydrogen was expected to be part of the pathway towards net zero according to international climate bodies, but stressed that any development would require planning permission, environmental permits and licences before approval could be granted.
She said: “Each regulatory regime requires the developer to provide detailed information and evidence on processes, impacts, monitoring and mitigation before any activities can take place.”
Check live fuel prices near you before you set off.
Spotted something? Got a story? Email news (@) deeside.com
NEW: Add Deeside.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Latest News
