Energy firms bid to build UK's first hydrogen network

Four energy companies are jointly bidding for about £500m in government funding to develop a regional hydrogen transport and storage network linking sites across the Humber region.

Four energy companies are working together to bid for government funding to develop the UK's first regional hydrogen transport and storage network. The plan would connect industrial sites across the Humber region and bring together projects already proposed in the area. The companies involved are National Gas, Centrica, Equinor and SSE Thermal, who say the Humber offers infrastructure, geology and skilled people suited to a hydrogen hub. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero described its hydrogen strategy as aiming to drive clean energy investment and support skilled jobs. Key facts: - Four firms—National Gas, Centrica, Equinor and SSE Thermal—are jointly bidding for government funding to build a regional hydrogen transport and storage network. - The group is seeking about £500m to develop the network, which would connect projects across the Humber region. - Named sites in the proposal include Aldbrough Hydrogen Storage, H2H Saltend and Keadby Next Generation Power Station. - A spokesperson for the consortium said the process is competitive and will determine where the UK's first integrated hydrogen network is built. - The bid has backing from local MPs and the Humber Energy Board, and DESNZ said its hydrogen strategy will drive investment and unlock thousands of skilled jobs. Summary: If funded, the proposal would establish a regional hydrogen transport and storage network linking industrial projects across the Humber and aim to support local industry and employment. The companies are seeking roughly £500m and the next step is the government's competitive selection process to decide where the UK's first integrated hydrogen network will be built.