Plans for a hydrogen fuel distribution pipeline in Milford Haven after the previous backing of a 20MW fuel production facility, have been submitted to Pembrokeshire County Council.

Zurich-based MorGen Energy, previously known as H2 Energy Europe, seeks permission for a 1.5km long six-inch 10-bar low pressure hydrogen pipeline and associated infrastructure from Milford Haven’s Impala Terminal to the South Hook LNG Terminal.

A supporting statement through agent Fisher German says the proposed works by MorGen, a subsidiary of leading supplier of energy and commodities Trafigura, are cross-boundary with Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, this application seeking approval from the council.

The pipeline scheme forms part of the West Wales Hydrogen project, which in 2023 gained permission for a new 20MW hydrogen production facility at the Impala Terminal (formerly Puma Energy) in Milford Haven.

The approved hydrogen production facility uses electrolysis to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, where the oxygen is a by-product of the process, producing 1,875 tons of hydrogen per year.

The statement adds: “Hydrogen will be distributed via high pressure vessels (40 ft containers) to various customers in the closer vicinity, opening the hydrogen market to a large variety of customers. Hydrogen will also be distributed to the South Hook LNG Terminal and it is proposed that this will be via a new six-inch 10-bar hydrogen pipeline.

“The option to supply hydrogen to the South Hook LNG terminal via high pressure hydrogen containers was dismissed due to safety considerations at the terminal. This application therefore seeks planning permission for a section of below ground hydrogen pipeline within the jurisdiction of Pembrokeshire County Council, which comprises the north part of the route from the hydrogen plant at Impala to the South Hook LNG Terminal, alongside an above ground installation unit at the Impala Terminal.”

It went on to say: “South Hook LNG Terminal plays a vital role in the country’s energy infrastructure and is one of the largest liquified Natural Gas Terminals in Europe. It is strategically located on the UK’s west coast, in the port of Milford Haven and receives Liquid Natural Gas from Quatar’s North Gas Field in the Arabian Gulf.

“The South Hook LNG Terminal will use the hydrogen to partially decarbonize their site, namely their Submerged Combustion Vaporisers (SCV’s) by blending hydrogen into the natural gas stream.”

It finishes: “The presented solution is considered the safest, shortest and best suited routing. This application only relates to the proposed hydrogen pipeline and AGI within the jurisdiction of the Pembrokeshire County Council.”

The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.