Yorkshire hydrogen pipeline plan: 107 miles of underground pipes to connect Humber and Teesside industry

Northern Gas Networks has proposed two underground hydrogen pipelines in Yorkshire: a 68-mile route from Saltend to Ferrybridge in the Humber and a 39-mile route from Newton Aycliffe to Skinningrove on Teesside. The pipelines would carry hydrogen to heavy industry and power plants, supporting regional decarbonization. Local mayors Luke Campbell and Ben Houchen have publicly backed the plan, calling it a step toward making the area an energy powerhouse. The project is still in early stages. No construction timeline or cost estimate has been released. The pipelines would need regulatory approval and connection agreements with industrial users. If built, they could reduce emissions from hard-to-abate sectors like steel, chemicals, and power generation. The plan also raises questions about hydrogen sourcing, blending with natural gas, and long-term demand certainty.