RESIDENTS are being invited to share their views on plans to create huge hydrogen pipe network under Warrington.

Cadent’s HyNet North West Hydrogen Pipeline will take hydrogen produced at the Stanlow Refinery in Ellesmere Port to industrial users and power generators across the north west.

It says the scheme will support the switch away from natural gas to a low carbon economy, potentially preventing 10million tonnes of carbon dioxide a year being emitted into the atmosphere by 2030.

It will also secure existing high skilled employment in the region and introduce new green jobs for future generations.

Cadent has identified potential route corridors for the pipeline, with Latchford, Lower Walton and Centre Park potentially becoming a 'central hub'.

Penketh, Moore and Daresbury would form part of the 'north corridor', while an 'east corridor' would pass through Lymm, High Legh and Whitley.

The pipeline will extend as far afield as Northwich, St Helens and Partington.

As part of a second consultation, rescheduled events will start from October 1, having been postponed following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

The consultation will now run until November 10, including nine in-person consultation events across the project area, and two online events throughout October.

A map of the proposed underground pipeline

A map of the proposed underground pipeline

Residents are now being asked to help Cadent develop the route of the pipeline and sites for other related infrastructure.

The proposals being consulted are for the UK’s first 100 per cent hydrogen pipeline, which would require the construction, operation and maintenance of up to 125km of new pipeline.

The pipeline itself will be underground, with approximately 10 ‘hydrogen above ground installations’ required along the pipeline route.

Cadent is looking to understand any views or information that can help it develop and finalise its proposals.

Project director Rob Donovan said: “We look forward to hosting events to meet and talk with the public, and to gather more views from local people to help us develop the best possible pipeline route.

“This is a really important project – both for the local area and nationally.

“The North West Hydrogen Pipeline and wider HyNet North West programme have a key role to play in helping the UK achieve net zero by 2050, as well as to home-grow energy security.

“It will also unlock numerous opportunities for the north west, including the attraction of new business to the area due to low carbon energy being available.”

The online consultation hub, where you can find out more about the project and provide feedback, is available via hynethydrogenpipeline.co.uk