New North Sea Gas To Flow After Approval For Jackdaw Drilling
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article in The Times.
This is the sub-heading.
The first significant British field in almost a decade could begin production by Christmas. The taxes raised will fund ‘clean power’, the chancellor says
These three paragraphs add more detail.
North Sea gas production will increase within weeks after ministers gave approval on Wednesday for drilling in the first big new field in almost a decade.
Miatta Fahnbulleh, the energy secretary, confirmed that Jackdaw, off Aberdeen, has passed a new environmental assessment and will go into production before Christmas.
The field is the UK’s largest known untapped gas reservoir and could account for 6 per cent of North Sea gas production when fully operational.
I will now ask a couple of questions.
How Will Jackdaw’s Gas Get To The UK Gas Grid?
I asked Google AI this question and received this answer.
Gas extracted from the Jackdaw gas field will reach the UK gas network by utilizing existing North Sea energy infrastructure through a multi-stage pipeline connection:
1. Subsea Pipeline to Shearwater: Gas will first flow from the Jackdaw platform through a newly designed 31km subsea pipeline to the nearby, existing Shearwater hub.
2. Transportation Onshore: From the Shearwater platform, the gas and associated liquids will be tied into major existing offshore transmission systems—specifically the Fulmar Gas Line and the Forties Pipeline System.
3. UK Grid Entry: These pipelines route the resources directly onshore to processing facilities, primarily the St Fergus gas terminal in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, where the gas is processed and fed directly into the Great British National Transmission System (NTS).
The project, operated by Adura (a Shell and Equinor joint venture), has received final government approval and is expected to begin supplying the UK grid as early as late October 2026.
What Is Aquaventus?
I asked Google AI this question and received this answer.
AquaVentus is a major German-led energy initiative aimed at producing green hydrogen at scale from offshore wind energy in the North Sea. Managed by the AquaVentus Förderverein e.V.—which is registered on the island of Helgoland with offices in Berlin—the project brings together a consortium of more than 100 international companies, research institutions, and organizations.
The overarching goal of the initiative is to establish 10 gigawatts (GW) of offshore electrolysis capacity by 2035. This capacity is projected to yield roughly 1 million tonnes of climate-neutral green hydrogen per year, providing a critical clean energy source to decarbonize heavy industries, aviation, and maritime shipping that cannot be easily electrified.
Core Architecture & Flagship Projects
The initiative operates through a synchronized value chain broken down into highly specialized sub-projects:
AquaPrimus: A practical demonstrator project testing offshore wind turbines integrated directly with hydrogen production units under real-world sea conditions.
AquaSector: A large-scale offshore hydrogen park intended to prove the commercial and operational viability of scaled-up marine electrolysis.
AquaDuctus: The central “hydrogen backbone” pipeline. Instead of converting electricity to send ashore via traditional subsea cables, this pipeline will collect hydrogen directly from the offshore platforms and transport it straight to the German core grid. It was officially integrated into Germany’s hydrogen core network planning in October 2024.
AquaCampus: A European research and testing platform set up in the North Sea to advance marine electrolysis technologies.
AquaPortus & AquaNavis: Infrastructure projects focused on adapting coastal harbours and developing hydrogen-based maritime shipping applications.
Infrastructure and Partnerships
Rather than relying purely on electricity transmission, AquaVentus champions a combined connection concept. This hybrid infrastructure links offshore wind farms using both traditional power cables and hydrogen pipelines. Depending on fluctuating market electricity prices and real-time demand, wind farms can alternate between feeding electricity directly into the grid or generating hydrogen on-site. The initiative has actively lobbied European regulators to fully anchor these hybrid layouts into offshore wind energy legislation.
The consortium includes major global energy and industrial players like RWE, BP, Shell, TotalEnergies, Ørsted, and Siemens Energy. Furthermore, it continues to scale its international footprint, recently partnering with organizations like Hydrogen Scotland to explore connecting North Sea infrastructure directly into broader European energy markets.
Aquaventus will connect to Norway, Denmark, The Netherlands, and Aberdeen and Humberside in the UK to Wilhelmshaven in Germany.
Could Aquaventus Be Supplied with Scottish Hydrogen?
I asked Google AI this question and received this answer.
Yes, AquaVentus can be supplied with Scottish green hydrogen.
Key Details of the Partnership
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU): AquaVentus (a German-led offshore wind-to-hydrogen initiative) and Hydrogen Scotland signed an agreement to link Scottish offshore wind and hydrogen production into the North Sea energy network.
Shared Infrastructure: The collaboration aims to connect Scotland’s offshore wind potential with cross-border transport concepts like the planned AquaDuctus offshore hydrogen pipeline.
Export Goals: The partnership is designed to establish Scotland as a major green hydrogen supplier to European markets such as Germany, integrating Scottish production into a pan-European hydrogen backbone.
Some electrolysis capacity would need to be built.
Could Jackdaw’s Gas Be Used To Create Hydrogen For AquaVentus?
Consider.
- There will be an Aquaventus connection from Aberdeen to Wilhelmshaven via Humberside.
- Jackdaw is connected to the St. Fergus Gas Terminal, which is less than 40 miles from Aberdeen.
- There are now efficient ways of extracting the four hydrogen atoms of each methane molecule from natural gas.
- There is plenty of green electricity at Aberdeen.
I believe that natural gas from Jackdaw could be turned into hydrogen at Aberdeen and sent to Germany via Aquaventus.
One of the best methods to create hydrogen has been developed by HiiROC.
- HiiROC is a spin-out of Hull University.
- HiiROC’s backers include Melrose Industries, HydrogenOne, Centrica, Cemex, Hyundai and Kia, Wintershall Dea and VNG.
- HydrogenOne is backed by INEOS.
- HiiROC uses a fifth of the energy of traditional electrolysis.
- The HiiROC process, which is called thermal plasma electrolysis, splits any hydrocarbon gas into hydrogen and carbon black.
- Feedstocks can include chemical plant offgas, biomethane and natural gas.
- Carbon black has various uses including manufacturing tyres and rubber products.
- In Hydrogen Milestone: UK’s First Hydrogen-to-Power Trial At Brigg Energy Park, I describe how Centrica and HiiROC have generated electricity at Brigg power station.
- In Cemex To Install World-First Hydrogen Process At UK Cement Plant, I describe how Cemex will use HiiROC to make low-carbon cement at Rugby.
I believe that a large HiiROC electrolyser at Aberdeen could provide enough hydrogen for Aquaventus.
I have some thoughts.
Will Aquaventus Be Using The Albrough And Rough Gas Storage?
I asked Google AI this question and received this answer.
Yes, the broader AquaVentus framework is designed to integrate with British transmission networks and link to underground cavern and reservoir storage assets on Humberside, including the Aldbrough Hydrogen Storage site and Rough Gas Storage.
Key Details
AquaVentus Integration: While the primary focus of offshore German pipelines like AquaDuctus is delivering green hydrogen to Germany, the broader AquaVentus network links into UK transmission systems and regional storage options.
Aldbrough Hydrogen Storage: SSE Thermal and Equinor are developing plans to repurpose and expand the underground salt caverns at the Aldbrough site in East Yorkshire to store low-carbon hydrogen.
Rough Gas Storage: Centrica has explored plans to convert the offshore Rough gas storage field in the North Sea for hydrogen storage as part of the wider regional infrastructure development in the Humber area.
The hydrogen can also be distributed to customers on Humberside.
No, the carbon black created by HiiROC will not be a problem; instead, it is an economically valuable asset and an environmental benefit. Rather than producing gaseous carbon dioxide, HiiROC’s Thermal Plasma Electrolysis (TPE) process locks carbon into a stable, solid carbon black co-product.
The solid carbon black generated by this technology is a solution rather than a problem for several key reasons:
1. It Completely Avoids Carbon Dioxide Emissions
In traditional hydrogen production (like steam methane reforming), carbon is released as gas. HiiROC operates a completely oxygen-free plasma system. Because there is no oxygen, carbon dioxide cannot form. The carbon is instantly cooled and solidified into an inert powder, trapping it permanently so it cannot escape into the atmosphere.
2. It Replaces a Highly Polluting Global Industry
Carbon black is already a massive global commodity used heavily in vehicle tires, plastics, inks, and coatings. However, traditional carbon black manufacturing (the oil furnace process) is notoriously dirty and generates severe greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. HiiROC’s product serves as a sustainable, zero-emission alternative for these manufacturing chains.
3. It is Highly Marketable and Versatile
Rather than a waste material that requires disposal, HiiROC’s carbon black is being commercialized for various industrial uses:
Automotive: Tokyo Gas and major tire manufacturers are testing and assessing its use for sustainable tires.
Construction & Infrastructure: It is being integrated into building materials like concrete through partnerships with global companies like Cemex.
Agriculture: It can be safely utilized for soil enhancement.
It sounds like HiiROC should be filed under too good to be true.
Is Research Being Undertaken To Find More Uses For Carbon Black?
I asked Google AI this question and received this answer.
Yes, extensive research is actively underway to find and expand new uses for carbon black, particularly in clean energy, advanced electronics, and sustainable manufacturing.
Emerging & Research-Backed Applications
Lithium-Ion Batteries & Energy Storage: Researchers are optimizing carbon black grades as conductive additives and low-cost alternatives to lithium metal in battery cathodes and anodes, as well as use in fuel cells, supercapacitors, and solar cells.
Electric Vehicles (EVs): Manufacturers are developing specialized, high-conductivity carbon black formulations to improve EV tire durability, lightweight polymers, and high-performance battery systems.
Electromagnetic & Conductive Materials: Research explores carbon black in conductive adhesives, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, antistatic flooring, and radar-absorbent materials.
Green & Circular Production Methods: Scientists are investigating alternative manufacturing pathways—such as methane pyrolysis, turquoise hydrogen co-production, and tyre pyrolysis—to create recovered and circular carbon black (rCB) with a significantly lower carbon footprint than traditional fossil-oil burning.
Note.
- The HiiROC process is considered turquoise hydrogen co-production.
- Tyre pyrolysis recovers valuable carbon black by breaking down end-of-life tires (ELTs) at high temperatures (typically 450°C to 600°C) in an oxygen-free environment.
It seems to me that HiiROC could transform an industry.
Cummins To Cease New Electrolyser Activity Amid Worsening Market
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on Renewables Now.
These are the first three paragraphs.
Cummins Inc has decided to stop new commercial activity in the electrolysers space following a strategic review of the segment launched last year, citing deteriorating market conditions and weakening customer demand.
The decision is linked to USD 458 million (EUR 388.4m) of charges for the full-year 2025 related to the electrolyser business within the company’s zero-emission technologies arm, Accelera, of which USD 415 million were non-cash charges.
The company noted that it will continue to fulfil existing customer commitments before winding down new commercial activity in the segment.
Although, I am in favour of using hydrogen as a fuel, I recognise, that traditional electrolysis is not the most efficient process.
These methods are more efficient.
HiiROC
- HiiROC use a process, that they call Thermal Plasma Electrolysis to split any hydrocarbon gas into hydrogen and carbon black.
- HiiROC originated in the University of Hull.
- Typical gases that can be used are chemical plant off-gas, biomethane and methane.
- I like the ability to use chemical plant off-gas, as some of this is particularly nasty and HiiROC may offer safe disposal.
But the big advantage is that the HiiROC process is five times more energy efficient than traditional electrolysis.
The carbon black is no useless by-product, but has several valuable uses in its own right, which are detailed in its Wikipedia entry.
These two paragraphs from Wikipedia, give a summary of the more common uses of carbon black.
The most common use (70%) of carbon black is as a reinforcing phase in automobile tires. Carbon black also helps conduct heat away from the tread and belt area of the tire, reducing thermal damage and increasing tire life. Its low cost makes it a common addition to cathodes and anodes and is considered a safe replacement to lithium metal in lithium-ion batteries. About 20% of world production goes into belts, hoses, and other non-tire rubber goods. The remaining 10% use of carbon black comes from pigment in inks, coatings, and plastics, as well as being used as a conductive additive in lithium-ion batteries.
Carbon black is added to polypropylene because it absorbs ultraviolet radiation, which otherwise causes the material to degrade. Carbon black particles are also employed in some radar absorbent materials, in photocopier and laser printer toner, and in other inks and paints. The high tinting strength and stability of carbon black has also provided use in coloring of resins and films. Carbon black has been used in various applications for electronics. A good conductor of electricity, carbon black is used as a filler mixed in plastics, elastomer, films, adhesives, and paints. It is used as an antistatic additive agent in automobile fuel caps and pipes.
It can also be used as a soil improver in agriculture.
HiiROC would appear to be five times more energy efficient than traditional electrolysis.
I would also rate the range of their investors as a particular strength.
Google AI lists these companies as investors.
HiiROC, a UK-based developer of plasma torch technology for “turquoise” hydrogen production, is backed by a consortium of industrial and strategic investors. Key investors include Centrica, Melrose Industries, Hyundai Motor Company, Kia, HydrogenOne Capital, CEMEX Ventures, Wintershall Dea, and VNG.
Note.
- CEMEX must be going to decarbonise cement making.
- Melrose describe themselves as an industry-leading aerospace technology provider.
- Will we be seeing hydrogen cars from Korean manufacturers?
- Wintershall Dea is Europe’s leading independent gas and oil company.
HiiROC has an impressive list of investors.
Bloom Energy
I wrote about Bloom Energy’s process in Westinghouse And Bloom Energy To Team Up For Pink Hydrogen.
This method also looks promising.
- Westinghouse Electric Company is an American builder of nuclear power stations.
- Bloom Energy Corporation make a solid-oxide electrolyser.
- Pink hydrogen is green hydrogen produced using nuclear power.
It uses electrolysis at a higher temperature, which speeds it up.
Desert Bloom
This is an Australian process, that I wrote about in 10GW Green Hydrogen Project Aims To Electrolyze Water Drawn From Desert Air.
Conclusion
You can understand, why Cummins are getting jumpy!
But you have to remember that when I worked in a hydrogen plant in the 1960s, the hydrogen was an unwanted by-product and it was mixed with coal gas and sent down the power station to raise steam, so that it could be used to do something useful.
Is Carbon Black Used To Make Offshore Electrical Cable?
I asked Google AI, the answer to this question and received this answer.
Yes, carbon black is extensively used to make offshore electrical cables. It serves two primary functions: providing electrical conductivity to specific components and offering UV protection to outer jacketing materials.
That seems a positive answer.
It also could be a very complementary one.
HiiROC have a process that splits any hydrocarbon gas including natural gas, chemical plant off gas and biomethane, into turquoise hydrogen and carbon black.
Two methods of bringing energy to the shore from an offshore wind farm are electricity and hydrogen, through a cable or pipe respectively.
This looks to me, that there could be a possibility to use one of Baldrick’s cunning hybrid plans to bring energy onshore using both hydrogen and electricity.
Effectively, the transmission and use of the system, would use both the hydrogen and carbon black produced by HiiROC.
Centrica Energy And Exodus Sign Landmark LNG Agreement
The title of this post, is the same as that of this press release from Centrica.
This is the sub-heading.
Centrica Energy has announced the signing of a long-term Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Exodus for Honduras, marking a new milestone in the country’s energy development.
These two paragraphs add more details.
Under the terms of the agreement, Centrica will deliver approximately six LNG cargoes per year to Exodus through a ship-to-ship operation into the Floating Storage Unit (FSU) Bilbao Knutsen, located in Puerto Cortes. The 15-year contract is expected to commence in 2026.
“This agreement reflects Centrica Energy’s commitment to expanding global LNG access through strategic partnerships,” said Arturo Gallego, Global Head of LNG at Centrica Energy. “By leveraging our global reach and operational expertise, we’re proud to support Exodus and Honduras in its journey toward a more sustainable and resilient energy future.”
It looks a good deal for Centrica, that has been snatched from under the American’s noses.
I also asked Google AI, if Honduras produced any natural gas and received this reply.
No, Honduras does not produce natural gas, but it is importing it through a new liquefied natural gas (LNG) agreement that begins in 2026. The country relies on imports to meet its energy needs, and this new deal aims to diversify its energy mix and provide cleaner energy for power generation.
That’s clear and it’s interesting that Honduras are looking to provide cleaner energy.
These two paragraphs from Centrica’s press release add details on power generation in Honduras.
The LNG will be transported to the Brassavola Combined Cycle Power Plant, an operating 150 MW thermal facility with its combined cycle under construction and set to reach 240 MW of power capacity, marking the first-ever import of natural gas for power generation in Honduras. This initiative represents a significant step toward diversifying the nation’s energy mix and reducing its reliance on less environmentally friendly fossil fuels.
Once operational, the FSU will serve as the backbone of LNG storage at a new terminal currently under construction on Honduras’ Caribbean coast. The project is designed to enhance energy security, improve generation efficiency, and support industrial growth.
This article on Riviera is entitled Honduras Turns To LNG To Meet Energy Needs and provides these points.
- Honduras is grappling with a 250 MW power shortage.
- Genesis Energías is spearheading efforts to introduce a reliable and cost-effective energy source by importing liquefied natural gas (LNG).
- Hyundai, who are one of Centrica’s partners in HiiROC, are converting the Bilbao Knutsen for its new role as a Floating Storage Unit (FSU).
It would certainly help Honduras’s economy, if they had more power generation.
I asked Google AI, if Honduras was developing offshore wind power and received this reply.
While Honduras has been actively developing onshore wind power for over a decade, there is currently no information to suggest it is developing offshore wind power projects. The country’s wind energy development has focused exclusively on land-based projects, with a number of operational farms and more in the pipeline.
I also asked Google AI if Honduras was developing solar power and received this reply.
Yes, Honduras is actively and significantly developing its solar power capacity as a cornerstone of its national energy strategy. The country has been a regional leader in solar energy penetration and continues to invest heavily in new projects to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.
But, whether its offshore wind, onshore wind or solar power, these renewals will need backup and the 240 MW Brassavola Combined Cycle Power Plant, will be a good start.
I have some further thoughts.
Does HiiROC Have A Part To Play?
If would be good, if the 240 MW Brassavola Combined Cycle Power Plant could be zero-carbon, so that Honduras could be more zero-carbon.
Consider.
- Centrica own part of HiiROC, who can generate turquoise hydrogen efficiently from natural gas.
- Honduras will from 2026, have plenty of natural gas.
- In Hydrogen Milestone: UK’s First Hydrogen-to-Power Trial At Brigg Energy Park, I talked about how Centrica powered Brigg power station with a hydrogen blend.
- If the Brassavola Combined Cycle Power Plant was reasonably-modern like Brigg, I suspect it could be run on hydrogen or a hydrogen-blend.
- A reliable supply of hydrogen in Honduras would have its uses.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see a HiiROC plant in Honduras to help decarbonise the country.
HiiROC Creates A Lot Of Carbon Black
When a HiiROC system produces turquoise hydrogen, it produces carbon black as a by-product.
I asked Google AI, if Honduras has a use for carbon black, and received this reply.
Honduras likely has a use for carbon black because the material is a vital component in the production of many common industrial and consumer goods that are used globally. The primary applications are universal across most countries, including those in Central America.
But carbon black can also be used to improve poor agricultural land.
So I asked, Google AI, if Honduras has a lot of land to improve and received this reply.
Yes, Honduras has significant land to improve, but this is complicated by issues like deforestation, land degradation, and a lack of clear land rights for many communities. There is a need to balance economic activities like coffee plantations with conservation, improve sustainable agriculture practices, and address illegal land occupation.
It seems to me, that a sensible hollistic approach could use some of the carbon black.
I also believe, that there are many universities, who could advise Honduras on land restoration.
Does Highview Power Have A Part To Play?
Consider.
- Centrica are one of the backers of Highview Power, who are building their first two environmentally-friendly liquid air batteries in the UK.
- Their flagship battery is a 300 MW/3.2 GWh monster that can incorporate a stability island, that controls the grid.
- Highview Power’s batteries are zero-carbon, with a 40-50 year life.
As a Control Engineer, I believe that one of these batteries would be superb backup for the Brassavola Combined Cycle Power Plant and all those renewables.
Where Will Centrica Get Their LNG For Honduras?
I have already reported on two deals, where Centrica is purchasing LNG.
- Centrica Enters Into Long Term Natural Gas Sale & Purchase Agreement
- Centrica And PTT Sign Heads Of Agreement For Long-Term LNG Supply
I can expect more deals like this around the world.
Also, as the Grain LNG Terminal has the ability to export LNG could we be seeing UK natural gas being exported by Centrica to Honduras and the other countries hinted at in the PTT purchase?
Are Centrica Proposing A Comprehensive Solution To A Nation’s Power Problem?
It certainly looks like they are.
And Honduras would be getting a zero-carbon energy system.
This could be repeated all around the world.
Conclusion
This certainly looks like a good deal for Centrica, that can be repeated in other places.
Could Wrightbus’s New Hydrogen Coach Do A London Scotland Round Trip On A Full Load Of Hydrogen?
Victoria Coach Station And Edinburgh
I have just looked up on the National Express web site and found that I can leave Victoria Coach Station at 22:00 and arrive in Edinburgh at 07:40 the following morning for a ticket price of £29.90.
The road distance would appear to be 638.1 km, which would be a 1276 km round trip. So I would expect that, there would need to be refueling in the round trip.
Victoria Coach Station And Glasgow
I have just looked up on the National Express web site and found that I can leave Victoria Coach Station at 23:00 and arrive in Glasgow at 07:40 the following morning for a ticket price of £23.90.
The road distance would appear to be 652.1 km, which would be a 1300 km round trip. So as with Edinburgh, I would expect that, there would need to be refueling in the round trip.
A Refuelling Strategy
Consider.
- I would expect that a refuelling strategy would minimise, the carrying of large amounts of hydrogen, through the centre of London or any other conurbation.
- The Southern Uplands of Scotland already host a lot of wind farms, including the UK’s largest onshore wind farm at Whitelee, which has a capacity of 539 MW.
- An electrolyser to produce hydrogen is being developed at Whitelee, which is 32.8 km South of Glasgow.
- Newport Pagnell services is 86.5 km. from the Southern end of the M1.
- Toddington services is 62 km. from the Southern end of the M1.
I wonder if two refuelling points, say 50-100 km. from each end of the route, would be a safe an efficient way to fuel the coaches?
Some Services Between London And Scotland
They are in South to North order.
Toddington Services
Toddington Services is 62 km. from the Southern end of the M1.
This map shows the services.
Note.
- There is land around the services that could be used to create more parking for hydrogen coaches.
- There doesn’t appear to be much space for a large wind farm to provide electricity to generate hydrogen.
- The Midland Main Line runs up the Eastern side of the map.
I wonder, if hydrogen could be brought to a refuelling site at Toddington services by the use of rail wagons.
Newport Pagnell Services
Newport PagnellServices is 86.5 km. from the Southern end of the M1.
This map shows the services.
Note.
- The services are labelled as Leicester Forest East.
- The services are tightly surrounded by houses.
I’m not sure the residents would like to have a hydrogen refuelling station in their midst.
Northampton Services
Northampton Services is 104.5 km. from the Southern end of the M1.
This map shows the services.
Note.
- It looks a rather complicated services.
- It might be too far from London.
- Provision of hydrogen might be difficult.
I think that this is another services that we can discount.
Watford Gap Services
Watford Gap Services is 120.8 km. from the Southern end of the M1.
This map shows the services.
Note.
- There is land around the services that could be used to create more parking for hydrogen coaches.
- There doesn’t appear to be much space for a large wind farm to provide electricity to generate hydrogen.
- The West Coast Main Line runs through the centre of the services.
I wonder, if hydrogen could be brought to a refuelling site at Watford Gap services by the use of rail wagons.
Rugby Services
Rugby Services is 137.8 km. from the Southern end of the M1.
This map shows the services.
Note.
- There is land around the services that could be used to create more parking for hydrogen coaches.
- It is at Junction 1 of the M6.
There is also a gas compressor station nearby, so I wonder, if a HiiROC system could be located here to extract hydrogen from the natural gas.
This map shows the location of the Churchover compressor station, with relation to Rugby services.
Note.
- The compressor station is in the North-West corner of the map.
- Rugby services are in the South-East corner of the map.
- From labels on the map it appears, a solar farm might be planned by the compressor station.
With a system like HiiROC creating turquoise hydrogen from natural gas, this could be a major filling station for hydrogen-powered trucks, coaches and cars.
Conclusion
It looks to me, that Toddington services would be best, but there would need to be a large increase in capacity, if a large number of hydrogen coaches, were going to fill up at Toddington for their trip into London.
The alternative would be to give the coach a large enough hydrogen tank for a complete round trip.