Cadent, a UK-based energy company, has commenced a five-day statutory consultation for the HyNet North West underground hydrogen pipeline project. The consultation period, running until November 19, is designed to gather feedback from the public on the updated pipeline design, including various aspects like Draft Order Limits, temporary construction areas, and potential Hydrogen Above Ground Installation (HAGIs) and Block Valve Installation (BVIs) sites. The project entails the development of around 100 kilometers of new pipeline to distribute blue hydrogen produced primarily by EET Hydrogen at the Stanlow Manufacturing Complex near Ellesmere Port to industrial off-takers in the North West region, covering key areas such as Ellesmere Port, Chester, Northwich, Warrington, and Halton, with additional smaller pipelines extending to specific industrial customers. Apart from focusing on the pipeline design, the consultation will also address the Draft Environmental Statement to gather insights on environmental considerations. Cadent plans to conduct a series of in-person and online events across the project area to facilitate public engagement and feedback. Post-consultation, Cadent intends to submit an application to the Planning Inspectorate and Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero for a Development Consent Order (DCO), with a decision expected in 2026. Rob Donovan, the Cadent Project Director for the HyNet project, highlighted that the latest project design reflects changes made based on previous community feedback and additional technical and environmental assessments. Emphasizing the importance of stakeholder participation, he urged local communities, authorities, and industry partners to provide their views on the detailed plans to aid in refining the project designs before the application for consent is submitted. Donovan stressed that the feedback received plays a critical role in ensuring the success of the project.