About hydrogen

Hydrogen is an abundant element. It does not occur naturally as a gas it is always combined with other elements. Water, for example, is a combination of hydrogen and oxygen (H2O). Hydrogen must be separated to make it into an energy carrier.

Hydrogen offers a way to deliver low carbon energy because when it is burned it doesn’t produce CO2, just water and heat. This has led many experts to see hydrogen as an adaptable alternative to fossil fuels.

Hydrogen can be made from a wide range of primary energy sources, including renewable energy such as wind.

Hydrogen for HyNet

HyNet is based on the production of hydrogen from natural gas. The hydrogen would be produced in bulk at a central plant using established, proven technology.

Renewable energy sources in the region offer potential for future hydrogen production to move towards 100% renewable energy. The potential for connection to hydrogen infrastructure could also encourage investment in regional renewable energy projects (e.g. wind, solar, tidal and biomass). This could help absorb excess off-peak renewable energy generation.

An established skills base

There is already an established skills base for hydrogen production and handling in the North West as it is part of some existing industrial processes. This also provides potential sources for an initial demonstration project.