Local planners have approved a proposal for a 1.5-kilometre underground hydrogen pipeline in Pembrokeshire, a move that supports a major green energy production project in the region.

Led by Zurich-based MorGen Energy Ltd., the project will link the Impala Terminal to the South Hook Liquid Natural Gas Terminal with the 6-inch, 10-bar low-pressure pipeline central component of the West Wales Hydrogen project.

The decision follows the Oct. 6, 2023, approval of a 20-megawatt hydrogen production facility at the Impala Terminal, formerly known as Puma Energy. The plant will use electrolysis to separate water into hydrogen and oxygen, producing an estimated 1,875 tons of hydrogen annually.

While some hydrogen will be distributed to local customers via high-pressure containers, developers determined a pipeline was necessary for the South Hook connection. 

According to Fisher German, the project’s agent, road transport options were dismissed because of safety concerns at the terminal.

The pipeline will allow South Hook LNG to partially decarbonise its operations by blending hydrogen into the natural gas stream. This mixture will power the site’s submerged combustion vaporisers.

According to the project’s plan, the proposed route crosses two local jurisdictions. Pembrokeshire County Council granted conditional approval for the northern section and an associated above-ground installation at the Impala site. 

A similar application is pending with the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, which oversees the southern portion of the route.

A planning officer’s report backed the scheme, stating the pipeline will provide a steady supply of low-carbon fuel. 

MorGen Energy, formerly known as H2 Energy Europe, said the infrastructure is vital for expanding the hydrogen market to a wider range of customers in the immediate vicinity.

Conditional approval was granted this week, marking a significant milestone for the Welsh energy transition.