One of the UK’s most promising clean energy infrastructure projects, East Coast Hydrogen, has received a major push forward with £96 million in funding from Ofgem. Announced on 20th June 2025, this funding marks a key milestone in building a future-ready hydrogen pipeline network across the North East, Humber, Yorkshire, and East Midlands. With this, the UK moves a step closer to a low-carbon economy, focused on clean, secure, and affordable energy.
A Major Leap for Clean Hydrogen Infrastructure
East Coast Hydrogen is not just another infrastructure plan—it’s a blueprint for decarbonising Britain’s most energy-intensive regions. Led by National Gas, Cadent, and Northern Gas Networks, the partnership aims to repurpose and construct gas pipelines that will carry low-carbon hydrogen to industries and energy facilities.
This phase of funding will support detailed engineering, public consultation, and planning work. It follows last week’s announcement of £500 million from the Government for hydrogen transport and storage networks. Together, these efforts set the stage for a hydrogen-ready pipeline that could start operations in the early 2030s.
Jon Butterworth, CEO of National Gas, emphasised, “This funding marks a crucial step in building the infrastructure needed to unlock the UK’s hydrogen economy at scale.” Their broader vision, Project Union, aims to develop a 1,500-mile hydrogen network beginning with the East Coast.
Backing Industry, Protecting Jobs, Enabling Growth
The East Coast Hydrogen initiative is expected to protect existing jobs, drive new green employment opportunities, and help energy-hungry industries reduce their carbon emissions. Cadent CEO Steve Fraser pointed out the wider importance of the funding: “It’s not just about this project—it’s a big win for the UK’s energy transition as a whole.”
The partnership brings together over 120 organisations from sectors like hydrogen production, heavy industry, energy, healthcare, and transportation. From powering factories to reducing emissions in hospitals, the shared goal is to build a robust hydrogen economy that delivers both climate and economic benefits.
Mark Horsley, CEO of Northern Gas Networks, added, “Our partnership provides a clear route to job creation and growth while helping difficult-to-decarbonise sectors reach their net zero targets.”
Confidence from Ofgem, Support from Industry
Ofgem’s decision to fund East Coast Hydrogen under its Net Zero re-opener scheme reflects growing confidence in the UK’s capacity to lead in hydrogen innovation. This funding will help determine the technical feasibility of building the required infrastructure, keeping the UK on track with its net zero commitments.
Darren Hall from Verallia UK, a key stakeholder in the project, shared, “As a major energy user, we’re pleased with the progress. Hydrogen is key to ensuring glass remains a sustainable packaging choice.”
This support highlights that hydrogen isn’t just about powering vehicles—it’s about transforming everyday sectors, from food packaging to heavy manufacturing, while securing Britain’s energy future.
Conclusion: A Clear Signal for a Greener Future
With East Coast Hydrogen securing £96 million in Ofgem funding, the UK’s ambitions for a greener, hydrogen-powered economy are gaining real momentum. The project now has the backing it needs to move into detailed design and community engagement, laying the groundwork for construction later this decade.
As it evolves into a core part of Britain’s national hydrogen network, East Coast Hydrogen is set to power industrial transformation, safeguard energy security, and create thousands of green jobs—paving the way for a sustainable, low-carbon future.
For more update bookmark: InfoDaily
