Cadent Proposes 150km Hydrogen Pipeline to Connect Industrial Clusters in Northeast England

Gas network operator Cadent has unveiled early plans to develop a 150-kilometre hydrogen pipeline in the UK’s northeast, linking key industrial clusters and supporting the growth of the region’s hydrogen economy.

The proposed H2East pipeline would run largely underground, stretching from Immingham in the Humber to Newark in Nottinghamshire, and form part of a wider east coast hydrogen network. Its primary purpose is to connect hydrogen production sites with industrial end-users, providing a dedicated transport route for the emerging low-carbon fuel.

Cadent plans to launch a public consultation to gather feedback from businesses and local communities on the proposed route and other aspects of the project. Adam Knight, Project Director, said:

“We will be listening carefully to what businesses and local communities tell us in the coming months. Their views will help shape our proposals, including the details of the route.”

The H2East project represents the first phase of a broader hydrogen pipeline network being developed in partnership with National Gas, Northern Gas Networks, and Cadent. If delivered as envisioned, the UK could see around 1,500 miles of hydrogen pipelines installed nationwide.

The Humber-to-Nottinghamshire section is expected to reach a final investment decision within four to five years, providing much-needed certainty for hydrogen transportation. Currently, the UK lacks dedicated hydrogen pipelines, leaving many projects dependent on assumptions rather than confirmed infrastructure. The government has yet to outline how hydrogen transportation will be regulated.

The announcement follows confirmation from the UK government of more than £500 million ($677 million) in funding for hydrogen storage and transportation infrastructure. This represents the first major UK funding scheme aimed specifically at hydrogen infrastructure, responding to long-standing industry calls for investment on par with hydrogen production support.