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Cadent Gas has suspended plans to seek development consent to build a key pipeline to transport hydrogen across the North West.
The project aims to supply industrial and commercial users but a government ‘business model mechanism’ that would finance the project is not yet finalised. In addition the model is only expected to support one pipeline.
The 125km HyNet North West Hydrogen Pipeline is described as being “central to realising the benefits of the HyNet North West low carbon cluster”. It is planned to transport hydrogen from Stanlow to users and to blending points at Partington and Warburton for introduction into the existing gas network. It would also connect with planned hydrogen storage facilities.
The project has been in development and consultation since 2022 and Cadent had planned to seek development consent in autumn this year. But at the end of November it said, “Over the past year we (Cadent Gas Ltd) have been awaiting further information from the government on the business model mechanism called the Hydrogen Transport Business Model that enables the first regional hydrogen pipelines to be constructed in the UK.
“Several announcements were made by the government over the summer relating to the business model and the timings that allow projects such as ours – the HyNet North West Hydrogen Pipeline – to progress. Government have confirmed that they will finalise the business model and start the process for one hydrogen pipeline in the spring of 2026.”
It said it will pause the progression of Development Consent Order planning application, until the timeline is clear.
It will continue to maintain and refresh information such as environmental surveys and assessments to support the routing of the Project throughout 2026.
