What is HyNet?
HyNet North West is a major new venture, due to be launched by Cadent and scheduled to begin in 2025. It will deliver the UK’s first 100% hydrogen pipeline.
What will this involve?
A combination of new technology and infrastructure, and upgrading and re-purposing of existing fossil fuel production plants, to produce, transport and store low carbon hydrogen across the north-west of England and North Wales.
Where will this take place?
The first site to be developed will be Essar Oil’s Stanlow Refinery in Ellesmere Port.
Why is it so important?
Hydrogen is a much cleaner power source. Infrastructure will also be provided to capture and lock away carbon emissions and supply clean power to industries while blending hydrogen with natural gas to service homes.
So, lots of benefits then…
Given the current crisis over escalating fuel bills and the impacts of climate change yes, it could be a very good thing. If successful, it will bring the UK closer to its goal of becoming ‘carbon neutral’ by 2050. It will generate income for the regions involved, and it will create new employment opportunities.
So, all good then? What’s not to like?
Well, whilst the plans are still in the early stages, if successful, HyNet North West is likely to be extended further into Lancashire, Cumbria, Derbyshire, and the West Midlands. Many miles of pipeline will be passing through an enormous amount of land. If you’re a landowner or a developer then, yes, potentially you could have a problem.
Whilst details are yet to be released regarding the precise route that will be taken by the new pipeline, the questions we need to ask are:
- What kind of easement distance will be required? What restrictions could this place on any future development?
- What dimensions will these pipelines have? What diameter/thickness?
Early indications from Cadent are that stand-off distances from the new pipeline could be anywhere between 36 metres and 50 metres, depending on its diameter.
Although we understand discussions have commenced with HSE, specific consultation zones have not yet been identified . However, it is not likely that a safety exclusion zone will be necessary.
HyNet has confirmed that rights are likely to be acquired through DCO, as this will open up more possibilities regarding compulsory purchase agreements. However, voluntary agreements will be preferred.
If you are proposing to develop a site that is likely to be impacted by HyNet in the future, contact BTS in the first instance. You will need to be aware of your rights and compensation prospects at the earliest opportunity, and we can help if it comes to compulsory purchase too.
In the meantime, we’ll keep you updated.
Source: https://hynet.co.uk/about/
