Costain has been granted a multimillion-pound contract to lead the front-end engineering and design (FEED) process for a new hydrogen pipeline network in Teesside, UK.  

The infrastructure solutions company's in-house engineering team will spearhead the FEED, setting the stage for the construction of a 31km onshore pipeline distribution network.  

This network is designed to transport hydrogen from BP’s production facility to industrial consumers. 

The FEED project, which is expected to be completed by 2025, is a step forward in the development of the H2Teesside (H2T) initiative.  

Operated by bp, H2T is part of the East Coast Cluster and is set to become one of the UK's largest blue hydrogen production facilities, with an estimated output of 160,000 tonnes (t) of low-carbon (CO₂) hydrogen annually. 

The blue hydrogen produced by H2T will replace natural gas for industrial use, fostering the hydrogen economy and promoting decarbonisation in the region.  

Costain's involvement in the project follows its earlier completion of the FEED for the onshore pipeline and associated utilities.  

bp has also recently chosen Costain to continue to the next stage, managing the engineering, procurement, and construction of the CO₂ system. 

Detailed engineering design and preparatory works for the hydrogen pipeline are set to begin later this year, pending final investment decisions.  

Meanwhile, Technip Energies has been selected by bp to deliver FEED for the H2Teesside hydrogen production site. 

It will focus on execution methodology, schedule, and project cost, also aiming for completion in 2025. 

Costain natural resources managing director Sam White said: “This exciting project is a step change for UK decarbonisation. Our in-house engineering expertise will design a world-leading network that will safely transport hydrogen to provide industrial users with an alternative to natural gas, a key step in the development of the hydrogen economy.   

“In addition to the environmental benefits, this is a project that will be transformative for Teesside and its people, creating jobs and developing skills throughout the region. In transportation, water, and energy, we’re committed to delivering critical infrastructure that improves lives and prosperity across the north-east of England.” 

Earlier in the year, Costain was selected by United Utilities as one of seven partners to deliver its water and wastewater infrastructure investment programme.