Energy developers have launched a public consultation for a massive 150-kilometre hydrogen pipeline designed to decarbonize the industrial heartland of eastern England.

The "H2East Pipeline: Humber to Nottinghamshire" project aims to transport low-carbon hydrogen from the Lincolnshire coast to Newark. 

The public consultation comes nearly two months after Cadent announced its plan to construct the pipeline.

Project partners Cadent, National Gas, and Northern Gas Networks say the infrastructure is essential to safeguarding local manufacturing jobs while meeting climate goals.

The proposed route would consist of a largely underground "main trunk" using pipe diameters up to 42 inches, with smaller spur lines, ranging from 4 to 16 inches, to connect the backbone to specific industrial hubs.

Developers are targeting heavy industries—including steel, chemicals, and brick manufacturing—that currently rely on methane-based natural gas. Several major firms, including British Steel, Heidelberg Materials, and British Sugar, have already expressed interest in the connection.

"We are immensely proud to be playing our part in building a thriving hydrogen economy for this industrial heartland," said Adam Knight, project director at Cadent.

The pipeline would connect production sites, such as the green hydrogen facility at High Marnham, to a regional network. While developers explored repurposing existing gas lines, they concluded that current infrastructure remains necessary for natural gas and is technically unsuitable for the projected hydrogen flow. 

Building a dedicated new pipeline is expected to have a lower cumulative environmental impact than piecemeal replacements.

The region, formerly dubbed "Megawatt Valley" for its density of coal-fired power stations, is currently transitioning toward renewable energy. Proponents argue this pipeline will serve as the new "backbone" for that shift, attracting fresh investment to the area.

Because of its scale, the project is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project. The consenting process is expected to take four to five years, involving rigorous environmental assessments and local authority engagement to manage the impacts on the landscape.

The initial six-week consultation period is open until Tuesday, April 14.