United Kingdom–WSP is leading on the conceptual design of a new hydrogen pipeline in the North West, supporting the UK’s target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
HyNet is the most advanced hydrogen and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) project in the UK, and includes the development of a new hydrogen pipeline for the North West of England and North-East Wales, which WSP will be designing.
HyNet represents the first piece of the UK’s CCUS infrastructure, identified by the Committee on Climate Change as a vital technology for achieving the ambitious emissions savings needed to meet the 2050 carbon reduction targets.
The pipeline will connect the hydrogen production plants with storage facilities in Cheshire and future users of clean hydrogen across the region. WSP’s role will be to design the pipeline’s operational model, taking into consideration hydrogen flows, seasonal storage and AGI requirements.
Ben Clarke, Head of Gas Networks at WSP, said: “Hydrogen is quickly going to become a crucial element of clean energy supply in the UK and we need to embrace all opportunities to make the most of its potential to change the way we generate, distribute and consume energy. Designing infrastructure which is future ready and will support the UK’s Net Zero 2050 target is truly exciting.”
WSP will be designing the pipeline for Progressive Energy Limited, on behalf of Cadent, with the goal of the project being to reduce emissions from industry, homes and transport across the North West, supporting economic growth. WSP, Progressive Energy and Cadent will be working closely with regional partners in the North West Hydrogen Alliance and beyond.
About WSP
WSP is one of the world’s leading engineering professional services consulting firms. We are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower. We are technical experts and strategic advisors including engineers, technicians, scientists, planners, surveyors and environmental specialists, as well as other design, program and construction management professionals. We design lasting solutions in the Property & Buildings, Transportation & Infrastructure, Environment, Industry, Resources (including Mining and Oil & Gas) and Power & Energy sectors as well as project delivery and strategic consulting services.
With more than 8,200 talented people in the UK and approximately 49,000 globally, we engineer projects that will help societies grow for lifetimes to come. WSP has been involved in many high-profile UK projects including the re-development of London Bridge Station and Quarter, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, HS2, Transport for the North Strategic Development Corridor studies, One Blackfriars and the Shard.
About Progressive Energy
Progressive Energy is an established independent UK clean energy company focusing on project development and implementation. Progressive has deep expertise in CCUS and hydrogen, having led the Teesside Low Carbon project from 2010-2013. It now leads the HyNet project, which seeks to deploy hydrogen and CCUS infrastructure in the North West of England. Progressive is currently working with a range of partners to take the project through detailed design, consenting and a final investment decision. Progressive also leads the HyDeploy project with Cadent Gas and Northern Gas Networks and is an advisor to Government on the Hy4Heat programme.
About Cadent
CADENT owns and operates four of the UK’s gas distribution networks. Covering the North West – and some of the largest cities outside London – its network uses over 130,000km of pipeline to deliver gas to around 11 million customers. The company has been a major supporter of HyNet since its inception.
About North West Hydrogen Alliance
The North West Hydrogen Alliance brings together some of the UK’s most influential organisations driving forward the work to develop the region as the UK’s primary hydrogen economy. The region’s reputation as the industrial North – including the necessary industries, academia, innovation, skills and natural assets – means it is in pole position to grasp the opportunity of hydrogen use. For further information visit http://www.nwhydrogenalliance.co.uk/ or follow @HydrogenNw
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