Wales & West Utilities has announced plans for a dedicated hydrogen pipeline in north Wales to support the decarbonisation of industry across the region.
The proposed pipeline, HyLine Gogledd, would help bring hydrogen to energy-intensive industries that account for 55% of demand in the region from Deeside to Wrexham.
Hydrogen is considered a greener alternative to natural gas.
Headquartered in Newport, Wales & West Utilities owns the gas infrastructure network across South Wales and the south-west of England, which serves 7.5 million customers.
Citing reasons of commercial sensitivity it said it couldn’t disclose the projected cost of the pipeline. However, subject to planning and detail design, construction is projected to start in 2030 and take three years to complete.
Following publication of a conceptual plan, phase one of HyLine Gogledd is currently in progress with an engineering feasibility assessment, which will be completed by year end.
This is being undertaken alongside the North East Wales Industrial Decarbonisation (NEWID) cluster. The NEWID cluster is led by Net Zero Industry Wales, in collaboration with a host of partners, including Wales & West Utilities.
HyLine Gogledd will also support developments in the HyNet cluster. HyNet, and the industrial cluster in the north west of England, aims to save more than one million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions a year, equivalent to taking more than 600,000 cars off the road. The project estimates it can create 6,000 local jobs.
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Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates MS, said: “It’s good to see HyLine Gogledd working collaboratively with a range of partners to support the decarbonisation of industry in North East Wales, protecting jobs, and making North Wales a sustainable location for future investment.”
Wales & West Utilities head of net zero and sustainability, Matt Hindle, said: “HyLine Gogledd is an exciting step forward in mapping low-carbon hydrogen delivery to North East Wales, offering a diversity of choice to energy-intensive industries and other energy users. With almost 3,000 industrial customers in the region, this project will be pivotal in making the area an attractive place for businesses in the future.
“We are committed to helping customers find the best solutions to decarbonise, with the least possible disruption. This project will explore the feasibility of using new and existing infrastructure to deliver cost-effective options.”
Chief executive of Net Zero Industry Wales ,Ben Burggraaf, said:“The proposed pipeline has the potential to transform North East Wales into a clean energy hub, helping industry decarbonise, whilst safeguarding jobs and economic resilience — in the region and wider Wales.
“Net Zero Industry Wales is dedicated to empowering Welsh industry with the tools, partnerships, and innovation needed to accelerate the transition. The NEWID Cluster is already demonstrating the power of collaboration, and HyLine Gogledd is another important piece in the puzzle. It will further position Wales at the forefront of industrial decarbonisation for a sustainable and prosperous future.”