Wales & West Utilities (WWU) has announced the launch of HyLine South West, a feasibility study designed to explore how a dedicated hydrogen infrastructure could decarbonize heavy industry and bolster renewable energy across the region.

The project marks an expansion of WWU’s strategic hydrogen vision, following similar studies in Wales. 

HyLine South West focuses on connecting dispersed industrial clusters in South West England to emerging hydrogen supplies, specifically targeting "hard-to-abate" sectors such as defense and minerals.

The study will evaluate the design and implementation of the region’s first dedicated hydrogen pipeline. This network aims to link production hubs—including those powered by Floating Offshore Wind (FLOW) in the Celtic Sea—directly to high-emission industrial users.

"The South West has huge potential to generate clean hydrogen for use in some of the most difficult decarbonization challenges," said James Adams, WWU Net Zero Project Manager. 

"Understanding the infrastructure required to move and store that hydrogen will be a critical milestone in our journey to a net-zero gas network."

Beyond transport, the study will investigate integration with hydrogen storage solutions, such as Lined Rock Caverns. These facilities are intended to provide year-round energy stability for homes and businesses, mitigating the fluctuations inherent in renewable power generation.

David Eccles, Director at Hydrogen South West, noted that the initiative is a vital "piece in the puzzle" for the region’s economic development. 

"We are committed to turning ambition into action—accelerating clean growth and ensuring the region leads the way in delivering a just transition to net zero," Eccles said.

Funded through Ofgem’s Net Zero Allowance mechanism, the project will produce technical, environmental, and economic assessments. It also serves as groundwork for future funding applications to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

By linking production and demand, WWU officials say the project creates a blueprint for industrial resilience and a greener future for customers across the South West.