EnergyPathways PLC (AIM:EPP) has brought in infrastructure specialist Costain Group PLC (LSE:COST) to advise on potential locations for the onshore part of its flagship MESH integrated energy system, as the company seeks to bolster the UK’s energy security and cut carbon emissions.
The engagement will see Costain carry out a detailed comparison of several possible sites for the MESH project, a plan that includes large-scale storage and production of natural gas, compressed air energy storage for long-term use, hydrogen and ammonia production, graphite manufacture, and flexible generation of low-carbon electricity.
Costain, which works across major infrastructure projects in sectors such as transport, water and defence, will assess the benefits and drawbacks of different locations.
The company will focus in particular on whether to reuse existing infrastructure, such as pipelines or facilities already connected to the national gas and electricity grids, or to build entirely new plants on greenfield sites.
The review will also consider access to key connections, including ports, distribution networks and offshore pipelines.
EnergyPathways said the MESH project is designed to deliver reliable, low-emission electricity that can be supplied to the grid when needed, as well as a stable supply of gas.
The project is also intended to produce hydrogen, a clean-burning gas that does not release carbon dioxide when used as a fuel, to help reduce emissions from energy supply.
In addition, the company plans to produce clean ammonia and graphite at the site.
CEO Ben Clube said: "This engagement continues the selection by EnergyPathways of world-class strategic partners with the expertise and experience to deliver a large-scale low-carbon integrated energy solution of national significance.
"In collaboration with our consortium of appointed Tier-1 partners, EnergyPathways' team continues to progress MESH to a 'ready-to-go' status, so that we can move swiftly to FID and deliver on the UK's energy transition ambitions and help provide affordable energy to UK homes and businesses upon award of relevant licences and permits."