Hydrogen is critical for sectors that cannot simply electrify, such as ceramics, chemicals, and cement. It will also support the electricity system, providing storage and dispatchable low-carbon power to complement renewables. The CCC’s call for urgent investment in hydrogen and CCS pipelines aligns with our own work to create Britain’s core hydrogen network. By connecting industrial clusters across the country, starting in the North of England and expanding to Scotland, Wales, and beyond, we can ensure hydrogen is produced, stored, and transported efficiently to where it’s needed most.

We are already proving the viability of hydrogen through our FutureGrid project, which has successfully demonstrated that 100% hydrogen can be transported using the gas National Transmission System (NTS). This is a crucial step in enabling large-scale hydrogen deployment, which we aim to create through Project Union, our proposed core hydrogen network spanning around 1,500 miles across Britain.

To turn these ambitions into reality, the government must now act on the National Infrastructure Commission’s recommendations to develop a core hydrogen network and provide the policy certainty needed to accelerate investment. With the right support, we can unlock the full potential of hydrogen, delivering clean energy, securing industrial competitiveness, and driving the UK towards net zero. At National Gas, we are ready to lead this transition. 

Chief Executive Officer at National Gas, Jon Butterworth, said:

“We warmly welcome the CCC’s recommendation for a hydrogen transmission network, or the core hydrogen network as described by the NIC, to provide industry with choice and create a competitive hydrogen market.

"At National Gas, we are committed to this endeavour through Project Union, which will repurpose sections of our gas pipe network to carry 100% hydrogen.

"However, it is essential that we also provide choice to industry beyond the industrial clusters and across the UK. This is to complement the growth of electrification and deliver the most cost-effective energy system."