DNV, the independent energy expert and assurance provider, has been appointed by Cadent, the UK’s largest gas distribution network as Owner’s Engineer for the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) of Cadent’s H2East Pipeline: Humber to Nottinghamshire.
This initial phase is a critical component of a project expected to anchor the UK’s emerging hydrogen transmission network, laying the groundwork for a system capable of supporting industrial decarbonisation, enhancing energy security and creating long-term regional employment.
The project will connect hydrogen production sites with industrial demand centres in South Humberside and Nottinghamshire, providing the first sections of the transmission capacity needed to decarbonize heavy industry and enable low-carbon dispatchable power.
As Owner’s Engineer, DNV will review and assure the FEED contractor’s work to ensure the design is technically robust, buildable, and aligned with the safety and performance requirements specific to hydrogen. DNV will apply insights from its dedicated hydrogen testing facilities and research programmes (spanning material performance, repurposing studies, and safety modelling) to identify and resolve uncertainties early. This approach reduces project risk and prevents costly redesigns, ensuring the design can withstand rigorous regulatory, financial and operational scrutiny.
“This project matters especially because hydrogen infrastructure must be engineered for a system that does not yet fully exist,” said Hari Vamadevan, Senior vice-president and regional director for the UK & Ireland, Energy Systems at DNV. “Our role is to challenge assumptions, test design decisions against real-world behaviour, and bring evidence from global hydrogen research into the earliest stages of planning. It relies on our proven capability to combine deep gas industry expertise with specialised hydrogen competency and major project risk management. If the foundational engineering is right, the UK can scale hydrogen production and transport safely, efficiently, and at lower cost.”
The appointment comes as the UK Government and the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) accelerate funding into hydrogen transportation infrastructure, where robust assurance is essential to ensure the credibility and long-term sustainability of strategic projects. Cadent’s H2East Pipeline: Humber to Nottinghamshire work has secured funding through Ofgem’s Net Zero Pre-construction Work and Small Projects (NZASP) process to progress through this FEED stage.