Joseph Gallagher Limited (JGL) has been awarded a major contract by United Living to deliver a significant package of trenchless construction works for the HyNet North West project.

Valued at approximately £50 million, the contract highlights JGL’s specialist expertise in complex underground engineering and supports the UK’s shift toward a low-carbon energy future.

HyNet North West is one of the UK's most ambitious energy transition projects. Aimed at decarbonising the North West of England and North Wales, the scheme includes low-carbon hydrogen production, CO₂ capture, underground hydrogen storage in salt caverns, and a hydrogen distribution network for industrial users. Captured CO₂ emissions will be transported and stored safely in Liverpool Bay.

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The project is expected to attract investment, generate jobs, and make a significant contribution to the UK's net zero goals.

JGL's scope of work spans the design and construction of 53 trenchless crossings along a 35km pipeline route. These crossings are vital to ensuring safe pipeline installation beneath sensitive and critical infrastructure.

The trenchless work will include crossings beneath:

• 34 roads

• 4 railways

• 8 major oil & gas pipelines

• 2 rivers

• 1 canal

• 1 brook

• 1 woodland

• 2 tow paths

The project will deploy a wide range of trenchless techniques, including:

• Installation of 24 shafts to facilitate Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) crossings

• Two 1200mm TBM drives over 100 metres

• Twelve 1500mm TBM drives ranging from 55 to 260 metres

• A 20-inch Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) crossing

• A major 36-inch crossing under the River Dee

• Two 20-inch auger crossings

• Thirty-seven 36-inch crossings beneath existing infrastructure

The complex engineering works will be crucial to delivering the infrastructure required for HyNet's hydrogen and carbon capture goals without disrupting the surrounding environment or communities.