The H2East pipeline would connect hydrogen producers, storage, and end-users across the Humber region and Nottinghamshire, running largely underground, with some overground infrastructure.

Part of a collaboration with National Gas and Northern Gas Networks (NGN), Cadent says the pipeline could help steel, chemicals, materials, and food manufacturing switch from natural gas to hydrogen.

The company has not yet announced the pipeline’s planned capacity.

Over the course of a six-week consultation, the firm will present its plans and ask for public views on the development. Feedback can be given by email or post. It will also host 11 local drop-in events between 9 March and 19 March.

“We will be listening carefully to what business and local communities tell us,” said Cadent’s H2East Project Director, Adam Knight. “Their views will shape our proposals, including the details of the route.”

Cadent expects the project to be determined through the UK government’s development consent order (DCO) process, designed to streamline planning permission for major infrastructure.

If approved, the firm expects a final investment decision to be made within five years. A timeline for operations has not been revealed.

Cadent has previously felt the impact of public pushback on hydrogen plans. It was vying for government funding to develop a domestic heating trial in the early 2020s in Ellesmere Port, but was withdrawn from the bid after a lack of local support.

The other project in the running for the heating trial was a development in Redcar by NGN. It was also scrapped, with the government blaming a lack of hydrogen supply. Residents in Redcar had been calling for an independent vote on hosting the trial.

The H2East consultation closes on 14 April, with further details on the proposed route expected later this year.