Today, the government unfortunately confirmed that our Redcar Hydrogen Community project will not be going ahead.

This is because there will not be adequate low carbon hydrogen available to supply the Redcar Hydrogen Community. As a result, the government has decided that the project is no longer deliverable.

We know this news will be a disappointing to the residents and businesses who expressed their support for the trial, as well as the wider community who were set to benefit from the investment and jobs that the project would bring.

While we are disappointed that we will not get the opportunity to explore the potential hydrogen has for heating homes and businesses, we are pleased that the government will continue to explore hydrogen for heat through an approved project in Fife, where around 300 homes are due to start using hydrogen.

We also welcome the government’s announcement today that hydrogen can be blended into the gas system and are proud that our demonstration of 20% hydrogen blending near Gateshead helped inform this decision. We will work closely with the government to help implement their hydrogen strategy while continuing to deliver for our customers.

Thank you to everyone for your support, we have enjoyed our time working with the community in Redcar and will be sending everyone a letter to confirm this outcome shortly.

We’ll also update shortly on Monday’s planned meeting at the college.