The MESH is set to become the UK’s largest natural gas and hydrogen energy storage facility, with a capacity exceeding 500 million therms.
Designed as a fully decarbonised, zero-emission facility powered by renewable wind farms in the Irish Sea region, MESH is expected to ensure a secure and reliable energy supply for the UK for more than 20 years, with production operations slated to begin by the end of 2029.
EnergyPathways has also announced a partnership with PDi Ltd, a UK-based subsea engineering specialist, which will provide engineering study support for the MESH project, focusing on the tie-in connection as part of the pre-front end engineering and design (FEED) process.
This follows the recent appointment of Wood as the lead engineering partner for MESH.
“The NSTA’s approval of our Licence Operatorship for Block 110/4a marks a key step in advancing MESH and reflects confidence in our operational capabilities," EnergyPathways chief executive Ben Clube said in a statement. "With PDi joining the consortium, we are well-positioned to progress through the pre-FEED phase and remain on track to achieve a final investment decision later this year.”
MESH is designed to support the UK’s transition to a low-carbon energy economy by providing a dependable supply of natural gas and green hydrogen.
The project aligns with national efforts to enhance energy security and foster a hydrogen economy, while leveraging the UK’s extensive renewable energy resources.
EnergyPathways susggested the storage project could also help reduce energy price swings.
“This winter underscores the critical need for increased energy storage capacity to bolster the UK’s energy security and protect households from volatile global energy prices,” Clube said.
