Next steps

Over the past year we have been conducting work to finalise the Project's design. This work has been based on feedback we received during public consultations, as well as further technical, environmental and engineering work. We have also been liaising with the Government with regard to its plans to support regional hydrogen pipelines.

Over the past year we (Cadent Gas Ltd) have been awaiting further information from the Government on the business model mechanism called the Hydrogen Transport Business Model that enables the first regional hydrogen pipelines to be constructed in the UK. Several announcements were made by the Government over the summer relating to the business model and the timings that allow projects such as ours – the HyNet North West Hydrogen Pipeline – to progress. Government have confirmed that they will finalise the business model and start the process for one hydrogen pipeline in the Spring of 2026.

With this information, we have decided to pause the progression of Development Consent Order planning application, until the timeline is clear.

Next steps

We have completed a range of environmental surveys and assessments to support the routing of the Project to date and will continue to maintain/refresh this information throughout 2026, as required.

We thank you for your engagement with the Project to date and we remain committed to engaging with you as the planning for the Project progresses. Once work on the planning application resumes, further engagement will take place with all relevant stakeholders, including landowners, ahead of its submission.