We are inviting feedback and any comments from local residents, stakeholders and other interested parties on these route corridor options (please see below) and any other matters relating to the project.
Our proposals are to create an onshore network of underground pipelines for the Humber region to transport captured carbon dioxide and hydrogen. Together, these pipelines will help the Humber region to decarbonise, supporting a low carbon future, the region’s economy and the UK’s vision for net zero by 2050.
Our proposed pipeline network will comprise two underground pipelines – one for carbon dioxide and the other for hydrogen
The pipelines are intended to connect to major industrial emitters and power stations in the Humber region, such as Drax, the new power station at Keadby, British Steel in Scunthorpe, Uniper’s Killingholme site near Immingham and Equinor’s proposals for hydrogen production at Saltend.
The pipelines will continue to a landfall point on the Holderness coast. The onshore carbon dioxide pipeline will then connect to an offshore pipeline to the Endurance offshore storage location. There is also potential for the hydrogen pipeline to connect into SSE Thermal and Equinor’s plans for a hydrogen storage facility at Aldbrough.
The project will also include a number of above ground installations and a tunnel under the River Humber.
Please let us know your views.
All comments will be reviewed and considered as part of the process for developing the project further.
The map below shows the proposed route corridors and route options. To give comments or find out more about the feedback process, please go to ‘Have Your Say’.
Route corridor options report
For further information on the route corridor options, please read this report, available here.
Constructing an onshore underground pipeline
National Grid has extensive expertise in designing, building and operating safe and effective high-pressure gas pipelines in the UK.
Our approach is to work closely with the local community and other interested parties throughout the planning and construction process. Through construction, we will manage environmental impacts and work to minimise any disruption caused.
How is an onshore underground pipeline built?
- First, the working width – the total area within which construction work will take place – is marked out.
- Next, the topsoil is carefully stripped and stored next to the pipeline route.
- The pipeline is delivered in short lengths and placed on supports. These short lengths of pipeline are welded together into longer sections called ‘strings’.
- The pipeline trench is dug, with the excavated material being stored separately from the topsoil on the opposite side of the trench.
- The pipeline ‘strings’ are lowered into the trench using special vehicles called ‘side booms’ and welded to the pipeline already laid.
- The trench is filled in using the previously excavated material and the topsoil is replaced.
- Once the land above the pipeline has been fully reinstated it can be returned to its previous use, for example farming.
This is an illustrative diagram showing the construction process of an onshore pipeline. Please note, these images are based on a single pipeline. The Humber Low Carbon Pipelines project will involve two pipelines and will take a similar approach.
The consultation
As we work to deliver this vision, we want to hear your views so we can shape and refine our plans and ensure the communities living and working around the Humber region have a chance to inform and potentially influence the development of our plans.
September 2021 marks our first stage of public consultation to share our draft plans and invite feedback on them. We intend to hold two further rounds of consultation in 2022.
We are here to listen. All comments will be reviewed and considered. Please take part in the consultation by reading this website and visiting ‘Have Your Say’ to give your feedback and get involved.
Please provide all comments in writing by 22 October 2021.
