East Coast Hydrogen Specialist Services Framework Lot 2

Northern Gas Networks Limited (NGN) has established a framework agreement for the provision of specialist Strategic Advisory 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 2 - Strategic Advisory Services. This lot provides expert strategic, policy, and regulatory advisory support to ensure the ECH programme remains aligned with UK Government hydrogen policy, evolving regulatory frameworks, and wider market and industry developments. Services delivered under Lot 2 include, but are not limited to: analysis and interpretation of UK hydrogen strategies and policy developments; advisory on regulatory frameworks and hydrogen business models; review of emerging proposals from relevant energy system bodies; and strategic insight to support NGN's engagement with industry forums, regulators, and stakeholders. The appointed supplier(s) will act as trusted advisors, providing recommendations to support informed decision-making, ensure alignment with national energy system planning, and enhance the long-term commercial viability of the project. This includes assessing integration with emerging hydrogen networks, clusters, and infrastructure initiatives, and identifying opportunities for collaboration and optimisation across the hydrogen value chain. The framework enables NGN to award call-off contracts for strategic advisory services to support the successful development and delivery of the ECH programme.