EnergyPathways secures Cumbria land for MESH pipeline link

EnergyPathways has agreed to purchase land at Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria to facilitate a connection between its energy storage project and existing pipeline infrastructure. The company is developing the Marram Energy Storage Hub, known as MESH, which is designed to store hydrogen and natural gas in salt caves beneath the East Irish Sea. The project also includes long-duration electricity storage capacity, aiming to integrate multiple energy solutions into a single hub.

The acquisition of the land will enable the creation of a pipeline corridor for transporting hydrogen and natural gas to the site. This development is intended to fast-track the company’s hydrogen industries pillar, with first revenues from hydrogen and graphite production plants potentially becoming possible as early as 2029 or 2030. EnergyPathways has signed a heads of terms agreement, although the commercial terms remain confidential. The parties are currently moving towards binding terms, with the deal subject to final due diligence and customary closing conditions. Completion of the transaction is expected within approximately one month.

Ben Clube, the chief executive of EnergyPathways, stated that the deal opens a route for the necessary transportation corridor. This infrastructure will support compressed air electrical storage, gas and hydrogen storage, low carbon flexible power generation, and hydrogen production. Clube noted that the strategic location of the land allows MESH to be tied back to existing pipeline infrastructure, providing optionality regarding transportation. He added that this purchase provides a foundation to advance critical milestones towards a final investment decision while accelerating the standalone hydrogen and graphite business.

In related developments, EnergyPathways has progressed plans with National Gas Transmission for a gas grid connection at Barrow-in-Furness. The company cited the approval of the Jackdaw gas field, along with plans for a new two billion pound Energy Wealth Fund and Transitional Energy Certificates, as favourable policy signals. Clube emphasised that there is clear policy momentum on investment in low-carbon energy infrastructure, which he believes supports the development of MESH and aligns with the government’s emerging energy policy.