LOCAL CAMPAIGNERS WORK TO CLARIFY THE IMPACTS OF A HYDROGEN DOMESTIC HEATING TRIAL SET FOR WHITBY, ELLESMERE PORT
The gas distribution company Cadent are aiming to trial domestic heating using Hydrogen gas (rather than natural gas) in around 1900 homes in Whitby, near Ellesmere Port. A final decision on the location of the trial, (Whitby or Redcar in the North East is expected later this year).
Local green campaigners from Whitby village, John Roach and Kate Grannell, have been working hard to gain clarity on how the trial will affect householders and John and Kate met with other concerned residents on 20th January. Many share concerns yet to be fully addressed by Cadent and their consortium partners. Queries include; what will be the level of disruption in my home and on my street; what will be the impact on house insurance premiums and mortgage provision?; will hydrogen prices go up after the 2 year fixed price period?; if we want to change back to natural gas, how will this be possible as it can’t be done on a house by house basis?
John said “I feel there has been a lack of community consultation, and decisions have been made without residents being properly informed or represented prior to the project getting underway. I’ve had meetings with the MP and council representatives to raise awareness of our concerns and the council appears to have backed the project before properly exploring residents’ views.”
Click here for the article in The Guardian in 2022 in which Kate and John appeared.