Steel Structures Appear on Talacre Beach for CO₂ Pipeline Project
Talacre Beach in North Wales is currently host to a series of steel structures as part of the HyNet project, a multi-billion-pound initiative to capture carbon emissions. The structures, described by some as “eyesores,” have prompted questions from beachgoers, but are temporary and will be removed in April 2026.
What is HyNet?
HyNet aims to move carbon dioxide (CO₂) captured from industrial plants in North Wales and northwest England to depleted offshore gas reservoirs in Liverpool Bay. The CO₂ will be transported via a repurposed natural gas pipeline running from Flint to the Douglas offshore platform Manchester Evening News.
The Pipeline and Steel Supports
A new “conduit” is being laid to carry a combined electric and fibre-optic cable alongside the CO₂ pipeline. This cable will provide power and upgraded telecommunications for the CO₂ storage sites. The steel supports currently visible on Talacre Beach are enabling the construction of this underground conduit. Manchester Evening News
HyNet is utilizing “trenchless” horizontal directional drilling (HDD) to minimize disruption to the environment, particularly the sensitive sand dune ecosystem. HDD allows the conduit to be laid underground without extensive excavation, requiring only modest entry and exit pits. Manchester Evening News
Disruption to Public Access
A public footpath around Point of Ayr has been temporarily closed to facilitate the conduit operate. Construction of a cofferdam, a temporary structure built to contain drilling fluids, is also underway. Manchester Evening News
Project Timeline
- February – April 2026: Conduit installation.
- June – August 2026: Cable pull from the beach to the New Douglas Offshore CCS Platform.
- Early April 2026: Removal of steel supports.
- End of August 2026: Removal of cofferdam and completion of work.
HyNet has stated that all equipment, fencing, screens, and signage will be removed upon completion, and the conduit will be covered with sand, leaving no visible infrastructure on the beach. Manchester Evening News
Related Pipeline Work
In addition to the work at Talacre Beach, construction is underway on a 36-inch diameter pipeline between Stanlow and Flint, with spur pipelines planned for connections to industrial facilities like the Hanson Padeswood cement plant. Community information events are scheduled throughout March, April, May, and June 2026 to provide updates on the project. Manchester Evening News
- March 24, 2026: Vernon Institute, Saughall, Chester.
- April 22, 2026: Hawarden Masonic Hall, Hawarden, Deeside.
- May 19, 2026: Mollington Banastre Hotel, Parkgate Road, Mollington, Chester.
- June 24, 2026: Ewloe Social and Community Club, Deeside.
Talacre Beach, known for its long stretch of sand, lighthouse, and nearby amenities, remains a popular destination despite the ongoing construction. TripAdvisor