East Coast Hydrogen Specialist Services Framework Lots 3 and 4

Northern Gas Networks Limited (NGN) has established a multi-lot framework agreement for the provision of specialist consultancy services in support of the East Coast Hydrogen (ECH) programme. The ECH project is a major infrastructure initiative to develop a hydrogen transmission and distribution network across the North East of England, supporting the transition to a low-carbon energy system and the UK's net zero targets. This Contract Award Notice relates solely to Lot 3 - Hydrogen Market Framework and Lot 4 - Economic & Financial Modelling to support the regulatory, commercial, financial, and technical development of the ECH programme across the FEED, Development Expenditure (DEVEX), and subsequent delivery phases. Lot 3 - Hydrogen Market Framework provides independent regulatory and policy advisory services to ensure alignment with the evolving hydrogen market framework. Services include monitoring and interpretation of regulatory and policy developments, advisory on system operation, licensing, charging methodologies and hydrogen network code development, and production of briefing materials to support NGN's engagement with regulators and industry bodies. The outputs support informed decision-making and ensure the project remains aligned with emerging national hydrogen market arrangements. Lot 4 - Economic & Financial Modelling provides specialist financial and commercial advisory services to support investment readiness and regulatory compliance. Services include development and assurance of financial models, cost-benefit analysis, commercial structuring, and investor-focused due diligence support. The lot ensures that project economics are robust, transparent, and aligned with applicable regulatory frameworks, while supporting progression toward Final Investment Decision (FID) and engagement with investors and stakeholders. The framework enables NGN to award call-off contracts for specialist advisory and assurance services, ensuring the ECH programme is delivered in a compliant, commercially robust, and technically sound manner.