UK's First Hydrogen-to-Power Venture Secured by ERM, Collaborating with SSE and Equinor
The Aldbrough Hydrogen Storage and Humber Hydrogen Pipeline projects, key components of the UK's emerging low-carbon hydrogen infrastructure, are making significant strides in the country's transition towards a cleaner energy future. These projects, supported by sustainability consultancy ERM in partnership with SSE and Equinor, are set to revolutionise the energy landscape.
**Aldbrough Hydrogen Storage Project**
Located at SSE Thermal and Equinor's existing gas storage site on the East Yorkshire coast, the Aldbrough Hydrogen Storage project is part of a broader initiative. It aims to produce green hydrogen via an electrolyser powered by renewable electricity, which will then be stored underground. This stored hydrogen will support flexible power generation through a hydrogen-fired open cycle gas turbine, supplying green power back to the grid during peak system demand. Beyond power generation, the hydrogen storage will serve local industries, heat, and transport sectors by supplying low-carbon hydrogen when needed.
The project is at an advanced consenting stage, with ERM supporting the planning, environmental permitting, and safety licensing processes. The Aldbrough Hydrogen Pathfinder project, a closely related initiative, has already received local planning approval and aims to be operational before 2030, subject to appropriate policies and regulations.
**Humber Hydrogen Pipeline Project**
The Humber Hydrogen Pipeline project is designed to connect regional hydrogen producers and users, creating a low-carbon hydrogen network in the Humber region. It is intended to facilitate hydrogen transport across the region, supporting decarbonisation of multiple sectors including industry and heating. The pipeline project is currently progressing through the consenting phase, with ERM providing expertise to navigate regulatory requirements.
**Contribution to UK Low-Carbon Hydrogen Infrastructure**
Together, the Aldbrough Hydrogen Storage and Humber Hydrogen Pipeline projects will enable the UK to store and distribute green hydrogen at scale, which is crucial for balancing renewable-powered electricity supply and demand. They support hydrogen's use as a flexible energy carrier, able to power the grid, decarbonise industrial processes, and provide heating and transport fuels.
These projects represent pioneering efforts towards a full value chain hydrogen-to-power system that strengthens the UK's energy security and helps meet net-zero emissions goals. The Aldbrough projects, in particular, are highlighted as among the first hydrogen-to-power projects to receive planning consent in the UK, positioning them as trailblazers for the broader hydrogen economy.
In summary, the Aldbrough Hydrogen Storage and Humber Hydrogen Pipeline projects are advancing through important planning and consenting stages and will significantly enhance the UK’s capability to produce, store, and transport green hydrogen. Their successful development will be foundational for a resilient, low-carbon hydrogen infrastructure across power, industrial, and transport sectors, aligning with the UK government’s ambitious climate and energy transition objectives.
[1] [SSE Press Release: Aldbrough Hydrogen Pathfinder Project](https://www.sse.com/media/news-and-press-releases/2021/aldbrough-hydrogen-pathfinder-project-secures-planning-consent)
[2] [Equinor Press Release: Aldbrough Hydrogen Pathfinder Project](https://www.equinor.com/en/news/2021/aldbrough-hydrogen-pathfinder-project-secures-planning-consent.html)
[3] [ERM Press Release: Aldbrough Hydrogen Pathfinder Project](https://www.erm.com/en/news/2021/erm-secures-consent-for-aldbrough-hydrogen-pathfinder-project)
- The Aldbrough Hydrogen Storage project, an initiative focused on producing clean energy via renewable sources, is poised to revolutionise the financing and technology landscape by supporting the green energy industry, a key sector in the UK's transition towards a cleaner energy future.
- The Humber Hydrogen Pipeline project, designed to connect regional hydrogen producers and users, will facilitate the movement of low-carbon hydrogen throughout the Humber region, potentially influencing the finance and technology dimensions of the energy industry as it drives decarbonisation in various sectors.
