WSP to design hydrogen pipeline for North West

The engineering consultancy is set to lead the conceptual design of a hydrogen pipeline in the North West of England and North East of Wales, in order to support the country’s target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The new hydrogen pipeline will be part of HyNet, a hydrogen and carbon capture, utilisation and storage project in the UK.

Hydrogen can be used as a zero-emission fuel burned with oxygen. The source of energy has already begun to be used in cars and buses, with the only exhaust product being water.

The pipeline will connect hydrogen production plants with storage facilities in Cheshire and future users of clean hydrogen across the region.

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 engineer Progressive Energy, on behalf of gas distribution network Cadent, with the goal of the project being to reduce emissions from industry, homes and transport across the North West, supporting economic growth.

WSP’s role will be to design the pipeline’s operational model, taking into consideration hydrogen flows, seasonal storage and AGI requirements.

WSP, Progressive Energy and Cadent will be working closely with regional partners in the North West Hydrogen Alliance and beyond.