Cadent has set out early-stage plans for a new hydrogen pipeline connecting the Humber industrial cluster with Nottinghamshire, marking another step in the UK’s effort to build out hydrogen transport infrastructure to support industrial decarbonisation. The proposed H2East Pipeline would run approximately 93 miles from Immingham in the Humber to Newark, supplying low-carbon hydrogen to energy-intensive sectors including steel, chemicals, bricks and heavy manufacturing.

The project remains in development, with Cadent planning to consult businesses, local authorities and communities later this year to help refine the proposed route and delivery approach.

Connecting hydrogen supply with industrial demand

The H2East Pipeline forms part of the wider H2East initiative, a collaborative programme involving Cadent, National Gas, and Northern Gas Networks. The objective is to link hydrogen production and storage assets with major industrial users across northern and central England, enabling fuel switching away from fossil gas in sectors where electrification is challenging.

According to Cadent, the pipeline is intended to serve manufacturers that face high process heat requirements and limited near-term alternatives, positioning hydrogen as a practical decarbonisation pathway for the region’s industrial heartland.

Adam Knight, Cadent’s project director for the H2East Pipeline, said the company is seeking early engagement to shape the project. He noted that feedback from businesses and local communities will influence routing decisions and design details as proposals progress.

Read more: Oracle Launches AI-Driven Supply Chain Collaboration to Help Retailers Reduce Risk and Improve Resilience

Hydrogen’s role in UK decarbonisation strategy

The pipeline proposal aligns with national targets to scale low-carbon hydrogen production to 10GW by 2030, with at least half expected to come from green hydrogen. While hydrogen produces no emissions at the point of use, most global production today remains carbon-intensive, with around 92 percent classified as grey hydrogen derived from fossil fuels.

To accelerate the shift, the UK government has supported hydrogen deployment through Hydrogen Allocation Rounds. Under the first round, £90 million in capital grants and more than £2 billion in revenue support were awarded to 11 projects representing 124MW of capacity. A second round, confirmed in June 2025, expanded backing to 27 low-carbon hydrogen production projects.

Infrastructure investment gathers pace

Transport and storage infrastructure is increasingly recognised as a critical constraint on hydrogen adoption. Late in 2025, Ofgem approved £107 million for two National Gas projects linked to Project Union, a proposed core hydrogen transmission network. This followed a further £57 million allocated earlier in the year to develop the East Coast section of the programme.

Together, these investments are intended to create the backbone required to move hydrogen from production sites to industrial users at scale.

Explore OneStop ESG Marketplace: Sustainable fuels

A regional building block for the hydrogen economy

While still at a formative stage, Cadent’s Humber-to-Nottinghamshire pipeline illustrates how regional projects are beginning to translate national hydrogen ambitions into physical infrastructure. If progressed, the H2East Pipeline would strengthen links between one of the UK’s largest industrial clusters and emerging hydrogen supply, supporting decarbonisation while testing how hydrogen can be integrated into existing gas network corridors.

The coming consultation phase will be critical in determining whether the project can balance industrial demand, community considerations and cost efficiency as the UK’s hydrogen economy continues to take shape.

Explore ESG Solutions on our marketplace - OneStop ESG Marketplace.

Keep abreast of the top ESG Events on OneStop ESG Events.

OneStop ESG Educate: Your go-to source for top ESG courses and training programs tailored to your needs.

Stay informed with the latest insights on OneStop ESG News.

Discover meaningful career opportunities on OneStop ESG Jobs.