The Humber hydrogen network could become the epicenter of the UK’s energy infrastructure. Four leading energy companies—National Gas, Centrica, Equinor, and SSE Thermal—have joined forces to develop the country’s first regional hydrogen transport and storage network.
The project is centered around Humber Hydrogen, a network that includes the Humber Hydrogen Pipeline and the Aldbrough Hydrogen Storage underground storage system. Its proposal will participate in the British Government’s competitive process to decide the location of the UK’s first integrated hydrogen network.
A key infrastructure for UK industry
This infrastructure would connect production hubs in Easington and Saltend with industrial users in Immingham, Keadby, and other strategic areas, facilitating the replacement of fossil fuels in energy-intensive industries.
It is estimated that the H2H Easington and H2H Saltend hydrogen plants could generate up to 3 GW of hydrogen combined. These projects will be key for continuous supply to sectors such as chemical, steel, and power generation. Connection to National Gas’s future national network would allow hydrogen to be distributed to other industrial areas of Great Britain.
Humber’s advantages to lead the hydrogen network
The Humber industrial cluster accounts for £18 billion annually for the British economy, but it is also the country’s most carbon-intensive. Favorable geology, existing infrastructure, and a specialized workforce position this region as the best candidate to host the hydrogen network.
With an estimated investment of £500 million, Humber Hydrogen could generate thousands of skilled jobs, boost regional growth, and strengthen the UK’s energy security. Representatives from participating companies and Parliament have expressed their support for the project, highlighting its potential to anchor long-term industrial activities and promote the production of sustainable fuels such as ammonia and SAF (sustainable aviation fuel).
Towards a low-carbon economy
The collaboration between companies with proven experience across the entire hydrogen value chain makes Humber Hydrogen a viable and replicable model for other regions. This proposal reflects a concrete strategy to advance the energy transition and decarbonize sectors that cannot be easily electrified.
Now, the next step is in the hands of the British Government, which must decide whether to support this initiative that promises to transform the nation’s energy landscape.
Source: Centrica
Photo: National Gas