The Mersey Dee Alliance welcomes the UK Government’s vote of confidence in the MDA-based HyNet Consortium

The Mersey Dee Alliance welcomes the UK Government’s vote of confidence in the MDA-based HyNet Consortium with the award of Track 1 Cluster Sequencing Funding for Carbon Capture and Underground Storage (CCUS) infrastructure. The implementation of CCUS from 2025 will safeguard the future of thousands of high value manufacturing jobs for the MDA and the connected economic areas in North Wales and the North West of England.

Councillor Mark Pritchard Chair of the Mersey Dee Alliance said: “The award of Track 1 Industrial Cluster status is fantastic news for the integrated cross border economy of the MDA area.

"The MDA formed a strategic partnership with HyNet to ensure that the MDA becomes the cradle of the UK’s green industrial revolution. This Track 1 funding sets us on the road of early adoption of net zero industrial processes. It will secure thousands of existing well-paid jobs in advanced manufacturing and tackle the climate emergency by beginning the process of cutting carbon emissions to zero through CCUS and industrial fuel switching to hydrogen.

"The MDA will work with HyNet to develop a leading-edge hydrogen supply chain in the MDA area. Track 1 Cluster status will add momentum to our plans develop a hydrogen equipment demonstrator facility at Thornton Science Park with “start-up” finance from MDA proposals for a Cross Border Recovery Deal.

"I believe that this announcement strengthens the union because HyNet will be a cross border project that will benefit both North Wales and the North West of England."

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council said: “I am delighted with HyNet obtaining Track 1 Cluster funding. The MDA area will reap huge economic benefits from being a leader in the development of CCUS and hydrogen energy production. The decision recognises the needs of businesses for new fuels and carbon capture infrastructure in our area, where per head carbon emissions are over four times the UK average.

"HyNet will produce hydrogen at Ellesmere Port and the certainty of early investment will contribute hugely to the sustainable development of Ellesmere Port.

"Most importantly the development is great for the environment. We only have one planet. This announcement gives the MDA area the opportunity to radically reduce carbon emissions to avert climate disaster."

Councillor Ian Roberts, Leader of Flintshire Council said: "This is great news for Wales and North Wales in particular. HyNet will provide CCUS and hydrogen energy for industrial fuel switching and domestic energy in North Wales. Local companies like Hanson and Essar will be huge beneficiaries of the early adoption of CCUS in the MDA economy.

"HyNet will be able to make a significant contribution to Welsh Government plans for a “hydrogen economy” in Wales. There will be benefits for decarbonising heavy goods transport by using hydrogen fuel and complementing local projects like the Deeside Hydrogen Hub.

Councillor Stuart Whittingham, vice chair of the Mersey Dee Alliance said: "The award of Track 1 Cluster Funding is evidence of how cross border and cross-party partnership working brings results. The MDA has worked closely with HyNet, Liverpool City Region, local Members of Parliament across North Wales and the MDA area and the Welsh Government to advocate for the early implementation of CCUS and hydrogen supply in the North West of England and North Wales by HyNet.

"This news is a fantastic way for us to go into COP26 and begin the process of addressing the climate emergency in a practical way that retains traditional jobs and creates new ones in new energy supply chains."