Cadent, a UK-based energy company, began a five-day statutory consultation on Monday for its HyNet North West underground hydrogen pipeline project. 

The consultation, which will run till November 19, aims to gather feedback from the public on the updated pipeline design, including the Draft Order Limits, temporary construction areas, and potential Hydrogen Above Ground Installation (HAGIs) and Block Valve Installation (BVIs) sites.   

The project involves developing approximately 100 kilometers of new pipeline to distribute blue hydrogen primarily produced by EET Hydrogen at the Stanlow Manufacturing Complex near Ellesmere Port to various industrial off-takers in the North West region. 

The pipeline is expected to cover Ellesmere Port, Chester, Northwich, Warrington, and Halton, with smaller pipelines branching off to connect to specific industrial customers.

In addition to the pipeline design, the consultation will also seek input on the Draft Environmental Statement. Cadent plans to hold eight in-person events and two online events across the project area to provide opportunities for the public to learn more and share their views.

Following the consultation, Cadent will submit an application to the Planning Inspectorate and Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero for a Development Consent Order (DCO). A final decision on the application is anticipated in 2026.

According to Rob Donovan, Cadent Project Director for the HyNet project, the project’s latest design included changes made based on community feedback gathered from previous stages of consultation as well as further technical and environmental work. 

"We encourage local communities and authorities, as well as industry partners to share their views on these more detailed plans to help us further develop our designs ahead of submitting our application for consent. The feedback we receive is crucial to ensuring the success of our proposals.”