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Wales and West Utilities (WWU) has unveiled plans to build a major hydrogen pipeline along the south coast of Wales.
HyLine Cymru would run from Pembroke to the Swansea Bay area, connecting low-carbon hydrogen producers in Pembrokeshire, Port Talbot and the Celtic Sea with energy intensive industrial consumers to enable them to begin fuel-switching from natural gas in the 2030s.
These include projects that are part of the South Wales Industrial Cluster (SWIC) that is being developed in the region.
WWU said the pipeline could also facilitate the conversion of home heating in south Wales to hydrogen and connect to national hydrogen transmission system proposed by National Grid through its Project Union.
The gas distribution network is working either other organisations to explore the feasibility of building the pipeline: National Grid Gas Transmission, RWE, Shell, Associated British Ports, Dolphyn Celtic Sea Developments, LanzaTech, Pembrokeshire County Council and Tata Steel UK.
Matt Hindle, head of net zero and sustainability at WWU, said: “Hydrogen will play a central role in decarbonising heavy industry and building the economy and jobs of the future. HyLine Cymru will help make sure Welsh homes and businesses can make the most of the opportunities offered by hydrogen.
“We’re delighted to be leading this project to explore the feasibility of transporting hydrogen produced in Pembroke to the central and easterly regions of south Wales, connecting hydrogen supply and demand.”
He added: “The 2020s must be a decade of delivery, where we put the research and development work that has been done on hydrogen into practice. If we are to decarbonise homes, businesses and heavy industry across Wales then we need to get moving on the infrastructure now.”
Chris Williams, head of industrial decarbonisation at Industry Wales, said: “This proposed hydrogen pipeline will unlock opportunities for floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea and help ensure that renewable development is maximised for the benefit of industry in south Wales.
“Hydrogen infrastructure is crucial for the development of SWIC, and to enable industrial fuel switching where electrification is not an option. This project will significantly de-risk hydrogen production and demand projects which need connecting infrastructure and help secure the 100,000 people employed in south Wales industries as they go through their just transition to net zero.”
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