Major Energy Consortium Bids for £500m to Launch UK's First Hydrogen Network in Humber
Four of the UK's leading energy companies have formed a powerful consortium to bid for approximately £500 million in government funding to establish Britain's first fully integrated hydrogen network in the Humber region. National Gas, Centrica, Equinor and SSE Thermal have united under the banner Humber Hydrogen to submit proposals through the Government's Hydrogen Transport and Storage Business Model processes.
Transformative Economic Impact Promised
The consortium argues that the Humber region offers unparalleled advantages for hydrogen infrastructure development, combining existing industrial demand, specialized infrastructure, established supply chains, geological storage capabilities, and a skilled workforce. According to their proposal, this initiative could create thousands of skilled jobs while advancing the UK's industrial decarbonisation strategy and enhancing national energy security.
Richard Gwilliam, chair of the Humber Energy Board, emphasized the significance of this opportunity: "Backing plans to deliver hydrogen infrastructure in the Humber in 2026 would be a game-changing decision from Government which would support the transformation of the region's economy and enhance our critical role in providing energy security for the UK."
Strategic Infrastructure Development
The proposed network would connect multiple hydrogen projects across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, including:
- Aldbrough Hydrogen Storage facility
- H2H Easington hydrogen production plant
- H2H Saltend hydrogen production facility
- Industrial sites at Immingham and Keadby
Collectively, the Easington and Saltend facilities could generate up to 3GW of hydrogen capacity. The infrastructure would also integrate with a national hydrogen transmission system being developed by National Gas, enabling distribution to industrial hubs throughout the UK.
Industry Leaders Voice Support
Ian Radley, chief commercial officer at National Gas, stated: "We believe the Humber is the obvious choice to be the home of Britain's first hydrogen network. Nowhere else in Britain can match what it offers in industrial demand, infrastructure, supply chains, geological storage and skilled people who can unlock Britain's clean power potential."
Kelly de Azevedo Dent, development director at SSE Thermal, added: "The Humber is integral to the UK's clean power and economic growth missions and becoming the country's first Hydrogen network will help to unlock its potential. The region is home to a wide range of projects across the hydrogen value chain."
Political Backing Across the Region
The initiative has received strong support from local Members of Parliament. Graham Stuart, MP for Beverley and Holderness, commented: "If the country is to take advantage of key technologies, reduce emissions, create jobs and cut bills, we need action. That's why we need the Government to support hydrogen infrastructure in our area and bring investment back to the Humber."
Melanie Onn, MP for Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes, noted: "The Humber is the ideal place to locate the UK's first hydrogen network, given its geology, geography and the wide range of key industries on both banks of the Humber Estuary that can benefit from its use."
Long-Term Investment and Growth
Martin Scargill, managing director of Centrica Energy Storage + at Centrica, highlighted the long-term commitment: "Humber Hydrogen is a major opportunity for the UK to accelerate low carbon economic growth and strengthen its leadership in hydrogen. By backing the Humber, the Government can drive industrial decarbonisation, boost competitiveness, and create thousands of skilled jobs across a region that sits at the heart of the UK's energy system."
The funding decision is scheduled for this year, with the consortium emphasizing that successful approval would position the Humber as the cornerstone of Britain's emerging hydrogen economy while delivering substantial economic benefits for decades to come.
