The framework agreement supports the East Coast Hydrogen project in developing a hydrogen transmission network in North East England, providing project management, strategic advisory, regulatory compliance, financial modeling, construction advisory, and design validation services to ensure successful execution and alignment with industry standards.
The ECH project is a collaborative initiative between NGN, National Gas Transmission (NGT) and Cadent, to develop a 100% hydrogen transmission and distribution network in the North East of England. The project will connect hydrogen producers, storage operators, and major industrial and commercial users, enabling large-scale decarbonisation of energy-intensive processes. NGN's network will link production facilities in Teesside and the Humber with industrial customers across the Humber, Yorkshire, Teesside, and South Tyneside regions. Following the successful completion of a feasibility study and pre-FEED, NGN has progressed into a two-year FEED phase. This stage will deliver the technical and commercial definition required to create a viable, investable solution for the project. NGN has secured funding for this phase and has finalised the delivery plan to ensure timely and efficient execution. The Pre-FEED identified development of a hydrogen network consisting of a mix of repurposed and newbuild pipelines, with: 285km being High Pressure (HP), 77km being Intermediate Pressure (IP) and 203km being Medium Pressure (MP) as well as 55 new or modified Offtakes and PRSs. As part of the early FEED activities, NGN is reviewing the Pre-FEED network and undertaking an options rationalisation exercise to define the connection points and the extent of the network which will then progress through the FEED. Following the successful completion of the FEED, the project will move into a Development Expenditure (Devex) phase where the FEED designs will be developed into fully detailed designs ready for construction, statutory consultations and DCO final applications will be undertaken and the project will be submitted into an allocation round of the Hydrogen Transport Business Model as well be seeking a Final Investment Decision from private investors. Beyond this, the project will move through the procurement, construction and operational phases. This framework agreement is to support the project through the FEED, Devex and future phases of the project. Project Management Office The Project Management Office (PMO) framework services will serve as the central governance and coordination function for the project, ensuring that all workstreams operate within agreed standards and frameworks. The services will provide oversight, reporting, and assurance to support successful delivery within the defined time, cost, and quality parameters. Strategic Advisory Services The strategic advisory services will provide expert guidance to ensure the project aligns with national hydrogen policy, regulatory frameworks, and emerging industry trends. The successful framework partners will act as trusted partners, offering insight into government strategies, regulatory developments, and market dynamics to support informed decision-making and long-term commercial viability. Hydrogen Market Framework This Lot provides independent regulatory and policy advisory services to ensure the project design and commercial strategy remain aligned with the emerging hydrogen market framework. The provider will monitor developments from Ofgem, DESNZ, and other relevant bodies, interpret implications for network development, and provide informed advice to support NGN's engagement and decision-making. The expected deliverables under this Lot will include regular briefing notes, position papers, and engagement support summarising regulatory developments, implications for NGN, and recommended actions. Outputs will enable NGN to participate effectively in industry working groups and maintain alignment with the emerging hydrogen market framework Economic and Financial Modelling The appointed financial advisor will provide expert guidance to ensure the project's commercial framework is robust, compliant, and attractive to private investors. The advisor will play a critical role in embedding key investor requirements into the FEED phase, positioning the project for successful capital raising and progression through development expenditure (DEVEX) and Final Investment Decision (FID). Construction Advisory Services The Construction Advisory Services Lot will provide independent, practitioner-led input to ensure the FEED design is constructible, phased logically, commercially sound, and ready for progression into detailed design and delivery. The provider will embed construction expertise throughout the FEED stage and beyond, translating design intent into feasible construction methodologies, programmes, and costed delivery strategies that minimise risk and disruption while maximising value for money. Design Validation & Assurance The provider will deliver independent assurance and validation of all design packages at various stages of NGN's East Coast Hydrogen project, confirming compliance with technical requirements, regulatory standards, and best practice. The approach will reflect the principles of the gas distribution G17 Part B process, which mandates rigorous governance ensuring designs meet all regulatory and operational standards and the that the designs align with all safety, integrity, and compliance requirements. Activities will cover network architecture, pipeline routing, material selection, above-ground installations, and instrumentation and control strategies