Introduction
It has been a landmark year for the Liverpool Bay Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Transport and Storage (T&S) Project with planning, construction and engagement activities all reaching important milestones.
The HyNet Carbon Dioxide Pipeline (Main Onshore Pipeline)
This year saw the first set of pre-construction works for the Main Onshore Pipeline (the Pipeline), previously referred to as the HyNet Carbon Dioxide Pipeline. Acting on behalf of Liverpool Bay CCS (LBCCS), our Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Contractor, United Infrastructure (UI) has completed:
These works have been supported by a public community engagement programme, designed to keep stakeholders and businesses informed throughout the pre-construction process.
Through these efforts, LBCCS has facilitated:
Spur Pipelines
Consultations for the Protos and Padeswood Spur Pipeline developments took place earlier in 2025, with both projects being granted planning permission in August and October, respectively. This marked a major milestone for the Liverpool Bay CO2 T&S Project as these Spur Pipelines will connect the industrial facilities to the main onshore pipeline to transport CO2 through the T&S network for safe and permanent storage in depleted gas reservoirs deep beneath the Liverpool Bay seabed.
In addition to this, the Runcorn Spur Pipeline application was submitted in July 2025 following consultation earlier in the year, with the application's outcome due to be decided in 2026.
Engagement highlights across the three Spur Pipelines included:
Point of Ayr (PoA) Development
The PoA Terminal is a key strategic site within the Liverpool Bay CO2 T&S Project with two major workstreams currently underway. In August, a planning application for the PoA Cable Route Foreshore Works Proposed Development was submitted to Flintshire County Council (FCC) following the Pre-Application Consultation earlier in the year. FCC's planning committee approved the application in November 2025, with construction scheduled to commence in February 2026.
Meanwhile, decommissioning and site preparation at the PoA Terminal and the surrounding Colliery area commenced in September following planning consent granted by FCC in January 2024. Together, these developments will enable the PoA Terminal to play a vital role in transporting CO2 for permanent storage in the depleted natural gas fields beneath Liverpool Bay.
Look Ahead to 2026
The progress achieved throughout 2025 has laid a strong foundation for the next phase of the Liverpool Bay CO₂ T&S Project. With planning milestones reached and preparatory works underway, our attention now turns to the next set of works due to commence in 2026.
To stay up to date with the latest project developments in 2026, make sure to frequently visit the project website at www.hynethub.co.uk and subscribe to the project newsletter at www.hynethub.co.uk/newsletter-sign-up. We look forward to seeing you at one of our monthly community information events during the year.
It has been a landmark year for the Liverpool Bay Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Transport and Storage (T&S) Project with planning, construction and engagement activities all reaching important milestones.
The HyNet Carbon Dioxide Pipeline (Main Onshore Pipeline)
This year saw the first set of pre-construction works for the Main Onshore Pipeline (the Pipeline), previously referred to as the HyNet Carbon Dioxide Pipeline. Acting on behalf of Liverpool Bay CCS (LBCCS), our Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Contractor, United Infrastructure (UI) has completed:
- Right of way fencing
- Vegetation clearance and tree pruning
- Trench and shaft excavations at the M53 and M56 compounds
These works have been supported by a public community engagement programme, designed to keep stakeholders and businesses informed throughout the pre-construction process.
Through these efforts, LBCCS has facilitated:
- four community information events
- three briefings with political stakeholders
- two landowner events
- one land agent event
- four Parish and Community Council briefings
- six Liverpool Bay CO2 T&S Project email newsletters
- three individual briefings to Members of the Senedd
Spur Pipelines
Consultations for the Protos and Padeswood Spur Pipeline developments took place earlier in 2025, with both projects being granted planning permission in August and October, respectively. This marked a major milestone for the Liverpool Bay CO2 T&S Project as these Spur Pipelines will connect the industrial facilities to the main onshore pipeline to transport CO2 through the T&S network for safe and permanent storage in depleted gas reservoirs deep beneath the Liverpool Bay seabed.
In addition to this, the Runcorn Spur Pipeline application was submitted in July 2025 following consultation earlier in the year, with the application's outcome due to be decided in 2026.
Engagement highlights across the three Spur Pipelines included:
- eight public information events (six in person and two online)
- ten Parish and Community Councils briefings
- four briefings with local councillors
- three conversations with MPs and MSs
Point of Ayr (PoA) Development
The PoA Terminal is a key strategic site within the Liverpool Bay CO2 T&S Project with two major workstreams currently underway. In August, a planning application for the PoA Cable Route Foreshore Works Proposed Development was submitted to Flintshire County Council (FCC) following the Pre-Application Consultation earlier in the year. FCC's planning committee approved the application in November 2025, with construction scheduled to commence in February 2026.
Meanwhile, decommissioning and site preparation at the PoA Terminal and the surrounding Colliery area commenced in September following planning consent granted by FCC in January 2024. Together, these developments will enable the PoA Terminal to play a vital role in transporting CO2 for permanent storage in the depleted natural gas fields beneath Liverpool Bay.
Look Ahead to 2026
The progress achieved throughout 2025 has laid a strong foundation for the next phase of the Liverpool Bay CO₂ T&S Project. With planning milestones reached and preparatory works underway, our attention now turns to the next set of works due to commence in 2026.
To stay up to date with the latest project developments in 2026, make sure to frequently visit the project website at www.hynethub.co.uk and subscribe to the project newsletter at www.hynethub.co.uk/newsletter-sign-up. We look forward to seeing you at one of our monthly community information events during the year.