Leading energy companies Equinor, Centrica, and SSE Thermal have announced plans for a collaborative effort to develop multiple low carbon hydrogen projects on the north bank of the Humber. These projects are also connected to broader plans within the region. The launch event took place in the Houses of Parliament and was attended by MPs, civil servants, industry bodies, and regional stakeholders.
The H2H Easington project, initiated by Equinor and Centrica, aims to establish a green and blue hydrogen production facility that will scale up over time as the hydrogen economy develops. Detailed engineering studies have already been conducted, and initial projects are expected to be commissioned by the end of the decade, with further expansion in the 2030s. The plans also include the transformation of the Easington gas terminal.
To support these ambitions, proposals for a green hydrogen electrolyser have been submitted to the government. If approved, this electrolytic hydrogen system would be operational by early 2029, reducing the site’s CO2 footprint by 100,000 tonnes per year. The next step would involve supplying hydrogen for Sustainable Aviation Fuel, which is crucial for the aviation sector’s energy transition.
The collaboration between Equinor, Centrica, and SSE Thermal will also explore the possibility of a dedicated hydrogen pipeline linking the H2H Easington project to Equinor’s proposed hydrogen production facility at Saltend Chemicals Park and to the hydrogen storage facility at Aldbrough on the East Yorkshire Coast. These projects collectively form the Humber Hydrogen Hub.
In addition to the hydrogen projects, Equinor and SSE Thermal are consulting on proposals for hydrogen storage at the existing gas storage site near Aldbrough. The use of underground salt caverns for storage helps balance the fluctuating supply and demand of a future hydrogen economy, enhancing energy security.
The plans also include a 45km hydrogen pipeline that would connect the north and south banks of the River Humber, as well as a potential connection to the wider Humber region’s gas network.
Government decision-makers from various departments, including Energy Security & Net Zero, Business & Trade, and Transport, attended the launch event. The proposals were well-received, with attendees recognising the potential to contribute to the UK’s net zero goals, hydrogen targets, and the government’s levelling up agenda.
The collaboration between Equinor, Centrica, and SSE Thermal demonstrates their commitment to decarbonising the Humber region. By linking hydrogen production with users and storage sites, they aim to create the foundation for an expanding hydrogen economy throughout the 2030s and 40s, reducing emissions and stimulating economic growth.
The energy companies involved expressed their enthusiasm for the projects and their potential benefits. They believe that these initiatives will support the UK’s decarbonisation plans, create jobs, and provide certainty for the region’s industry in the future.
For more information visit www.centrica.com
