AN AMBITIOUS scheme that would change Yorkshire’s energy supply is set to be discussed next week.

Energy companies and authorities plan to convert existing natural gas mains in Leeds and West Yorkshire to 100 per cent hydrogen gas, in what has been described as “the world’s largest clean energy project”. The plans, originally outlined in a Northern Gas Networks (NGN) report, say conversion would begin in 2028 and affect 3.7 million properties in York, Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield, Huddersfield, Hull, Liverpool, Manchester, Teesside and Newcastle over the following seven years.

The plans are set to be presented to West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s green economy panel, and it is hoped that the scheme could be rolled out across the north of England, before eventually providing 12 million homes with clean energy by 2050.

A report, set to go before the panel, says: “If implemented, this would be a highly innovative programme and the first of its kind in the UK.

“This hydrogen blueprint sets out how the UK is ready to lead the way in reducing carbon dioxide emissions through the world’s largest clean energy project.”

Gas mains in the UK are currently supplied by what is known as “natural gas” – a compound of methane and other hydrocarbons, which contribute to carbon emissions.

A further UK rollout could see 12 million more homes across the rest of the country converted to hydrogen by 2050.

The plans are set to be discussed at a meeting of West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Green Economy Panel on January 29.