Innovative strategies for safe hydrogen transport pipeline commissioning in the UK. Key points. * Developed a structured framework for commissioning 100% hydrogen pipelines. * Innovative dual-code approach aligns UK regulations with international standards. * Emphasizes safety and regulatory acceptance in hydrogen transport. * Strengthens United Infrastructure's entry into the hydrogen transmission sector. In the UK, a collaborative project led by Dr. Amir Keshmiri from the University of Manchester, in partnership with United Infrastructure Group, has devised an innovative commissioning strategy specifically for hydrogen transport pipelines. As the hydrogen economy gains traction, the need for a reliable and safe infrastructure becomes critical. Traditional natural gas pipeline practices cannot be directly applied to hydrogen due to its unique characteristics, such as low ignition energy and risks of material embrittlement. This new strategy addresses those challenges head-on through a structured technical framework designed to ensure safety and regulatory compliance. The project has developed a hydrogen-specific commissioning methodology using a dual-code approach that integrates both UK regulatory frameworks and international hydrogen guidelines. Recognizing the evolving nature of hydrogen standards, this methodology aims to create a defensible foundation for assurance and regulatory engagement. A key component of this framework is the Commissioning Assurance Register, which connects acceptance criteria, verification testing, and documentation into a cohesive, auditable structure. This framework is intended to ensure that all aspects of the commissioning process, from drying to leak detection and emergency shutdown validation, are rigorously controlled and documented. By establishing practical controls and defining a repeatable template for future hydrogen pipeline projects, the initiative not only enhances safety but also builds internal capabilities within United Infrastructure Group. The approach shifts the perception of commissioning from a mere completion step to a structured assurance process, significantly boosting confidence in hydrogen transmission operations. The impact of this work extends beyond immediate safety protocols; it lays the groundwork for a robust hydrogen transport network in the UK. By fostering an evidence-led strategy, the project reinforces the importance of safety in the development of hydrogen infrastructure, crucial for navigating the regulatory landscape and building public trust in new hydrogen technologies. This initiative represents a significant step towards ensuring that the UK can confidently embrace the hydrogen economy, ultimately supporting its energy transition goals. As the country continues to explore and invest in hydrogen infrastructure, such innovative frameworks will be essential for delivering safe and efficient transport solutions. August 11, 2026 at 12:10 PM United Kingdom

United Infrastructure and Rotork produce first batch of IQ3 Pro intelligent electric actuators. Published: 10 August 2026 Sustainable infrastructure specialists United Infrastructure and flow control solutions expert Rotork celebrated the completion of the first batch of IQ3 Pro intelligent electric actuators rolling off the production line for deployment on Liverpool Bay CCS Limited's (LBCCS) CO[2] Transportation and Storage (T&S) project. The work marks significant step in United Infrastructure's decarbonisation programme. The milestone was celebrated during a visit to Rotork's manufacturing facility in Bath by project partners and stakeholders showcasing how UK manufacturing, engineering excellence and collaboration are supporting the delivery of critical infrastructure that will support net zero ambitions. United Infrastructure is delivering critical elements of the Liverpool Bay CO[2] Transportation and Storage (T&S) project, on behalf of LBCCS. Rotork is supporting this nationally significant infrastructure through the design and manufacture of its IQ3 Pro electric actuators in Bath, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the CO[2] transportation network that will transport captured carbon dioxide for permanent offshore storage beneath Liverpool Bay. Manufactured in the UK by a highly skilled British workforce, the actuators represent far more than a production milestone. They demonstrate the strength of the UK's engineering and manufacturing sector, supporting domestic supply chains, creating high-value employment, investing in apprenticeships and developing the next generation of engineering talent. The Liverpool Bay CO[2] Transportation and Storage (T&S) project forms the backbone of HyNet, one of the UK's first low-carbon industrial clusters. Once operational, it will enable carbon emissions from industries across the North West of England and North Wales to be safely transported and permanently stored, helping decarbonise some of the country's most energy-intensive industries while supporting economic growth, inward investment and industrial competitiveness. United Infrastructure and LBCCS were joined by other trade partners, including valve supplier LFF Valvenco and the trade association Energies Industry Council (EIC), who met the teams at Rotork responsible for designing and producing the IQ3 Pro actuators. Guests viewed the first units being prepared for the Liverpool Bay project before discussing the next phase of delivery. Griff Thomas, United Infrastructure's Executive Director of Energy Transition and External Affairs said: "I'm delighted to see the first actuators come off the production line for the Liverpool Bay CO2 Transportation and Storage project. At United Infrastructure, we are committed to investing in a UK workforce, and not just with our own staff, but wherever we can, we will try to source UK-manufactured parts and components so that we can ensure the next generation of the much-needed, highly skilled workforce is available in the UK for the infrastructure revolution that we are going through." Ross Pascoe, chief technology officer at Rotork, commented: "It's fantastic to celebrate this manufacturing milestone alongside our customers and project partners. Seeing products designed and manufactured by our teams in the UK being deployed on a project of this significance is a real source of pride. The Liverpool Bay CO[2] Transportation and Storage project demonstrates how collaboration, engineering expertise and manufacturing excellence can come together to support the infrastructure needed for a lower-carbon future and the UK's net zero ambitions." Bath MP Wera Hobhouse said: "Congratulations to Rotork on this significant milestone. Rotork is part of the crown jewels of Bath business, and I am absolutely delighted to celebrate their continued success. Their investment in local manufacturing capability, engineering excellence and skills development, alongside supporting high-value jobs, apprenticeships and early careers opportunities in its city, makes me incredibly proud. "On a national level, their design and manufacturing work within the CO[2] transportation network is not only a vital contribution to the infrastructure's safe and efficient operation, but also to the UK's critical decarbonisation and net zero aspirations. I applaud their commitment and vision, and that of their partners United Infrastructure and Liverpool Bay CCS Limited." As the Liverpool Bay CO[2] Transportation and Storage (T&S) project progresses, the collaboration between LBCCS, United Infrastructure and Rotork demonstrates how investment in UK infrastructure is creating opportunities far beyond individual projects. From supporting British manufacturing and engineering excellence to creating skilled employment and developing future talent, the project is helping build the industrial capability required to deliver a lower-carbon economy. The UK-manufactured IQ3 Pro actuators rolling off the production line represent an important milestone - not only for the Liverpool Bay CO[2] Transportation and Storage (T&S) project and the wider HyNet programme, but for the UK supply chain that will underpin the country's transition to net zero.