Deeside–Wrexham hydrogen pipeline gains momentum after major Ofgem funding
Plans for a dedicated hydrogen pipeline between Deeside and Wrexham have gained momentum after Ofgem confirmed £164 million for engineering work on Britain’s proposed core hydrogen network.
HyLine Gogledd, a 35km Wales & West Utilities pipeline designed to supply hydrogen to energy-intensive industries in North East Wales, is referenced within the wider Project Union programme backed by the new funding.
The pipeline would run from Deeside to Wrexham, serving sites that account for a significant share of regional energy use.
Matt Hindle, Head of Net Zero and Sustainability at Wales & West Utilities, said: “We welcome the news that National Gas have been awarded £164 million in funding from Ofgem for the next phase of Project Union. The North West leg of the project supports WWU’s proposed HyLine Gogledd, a dedicated 35km hydrogen pipeline in North Wales. HyLine Gogledd would stretch from Deeside to Wrexham, enabling local industries to access hydrogen at scale – in turn supporting their decarbonisation aims, especially where alternative technologies aren’t suitable.
“Our regions and industries need to the right options to reduce emissions and develop economically, with joined up plans to unlock these benefits. Support from the development of Project Union will help HyLine Gogledd deliver the North East Wales Industrial Decarbonisation Plan and Local Area Energy Plans. By connecting dispersed industry with GW-scale low-carbon hydrogen production by 2035 it could remove up to 27MtCO2/y of emissions, which will be critical for the region’s net zero aims.”
Ofgem’s funding covers three National Gas projects intended to accelerate Britain’s hydrogen network, with support for two new phases confirmed on 14 November and £57 million previously allocated in June.
Project Union aims to repurpose existing natural gas pipelines and construct new links where required to build a 1500-mile hydrogen backbone.
It is intended to connect major industrial clusters, including those in the North East and North West of England and the East Coast.
National Gas says the work will allow more than half of the proposed network to move into detailed engineering design.
The programme is intended to support decarbonisation in heavy industry while preparing for future hydrogen production, storage and transport.
HyLine Gogledd, which is separate to the large-scale Hynet project, remains at the planning stage but forms part of the North East Wales Industrial Decarbonisation Plan, which sets out long-term emissions goals for the region’s manufacturing and energy-intensive sectors.
Hydrogen is seen as a potential low-carbon alternative for industries that are difficult to electrify.
The wider Project Union investment is expected to help attract private investment, support job creation and contribute to the UK’s long-term clean energy strategy.
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