United Living wins £250m HyNet pipeline contract

HyNet, the massive network of pipes that will pump carbon dioxide to be sequestered under Liverpool Bay, has taken a further step forward with the appointment of a principal contractor.

The three-year deal follows last week’s confirmation of a £2bn funding package from the government and Eni to kickstart the net zero scheme.

United Living’s energy arm, United Living Energy, is now set to design and build more than 34km of pipework to connect to the existing 24km-long network, after securing a deal worth £250m from Liverpool Bay Carbon Capture and Storage.

Work will begin at Ince, Cheshire, and the pipes will reach across to Point of Ayr in North Wales, contributing towards a target carrying capacity of 10m tonnes of carbon dioxide by the 2030s.

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Large-scale industrial schemes are the main focus for HyNet, with various North West plants queueing for a connection to the network, such as Heidelberg Materials and Encyclis.

The HyNet pipeline forms a sustainable cornerstone of the government’s nationwide net zero drive.

Neil Armstrong, chairman and chief executive of United Living Group, said: “We are incredibly excited about the potential of this carbon dioxide transportation and storage infrastructure project and the positive impact it will have on emission reduction.”

Armstrong said that the firm sees CCS as a “crucial element” of the government’s long-term net zero strategy.

He added: “This project will also deliver huge benefits to the North West region, bringing major investment in local skills development, employment opportunities, and strong growth prospects for local businesses.”