A CALL for a 1.5km hydrogen gas pipeline in Pembrokeshire in connection with a previously granted scheme for green energy production has been given the go-ahead by county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Zurich-based MorGen Energy Ltd, previously known as H2 Energy Europe, sought permission for a 1.5km six-inch 10-bar low-pressure hydrogen pipeline and associated Above Ground Installation at the Impala Terminal, Milford Haven to the South Hook Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) Terminal.

A supporting statement through agent Fisher German said the scheme crossed both Pembrokeshire County Council and the national park authorities, with a similar application before that authority.

It added: “The proposals form part of the West Wales Hydrogen project, where planning permission was granted on October 6, 2023, for the development of a new 20MW hydrogen production facility at the Impala Terminal (formerly Puma Energy) in Milford Haven.

“The approved hydrogen production facility which uses electrolysis to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, where the oxygen is a by-product of the process.  The hydrogen production plant will produce 1,875 tons of hydrogen per year. Hydrogen will be distributed via high pressure vessels (40 ft. containers) to various customers in the closer vicinity, opening the hydrogen market to a large variety of customers.

“Hydrogen will also be distributed to the South Hook LNG Terminal and it is proposed that this will be via a new six-inch 10-bar hydrogen pipeline. The option to supply hydrogen to the South Hook LNG terminal via high pressure hydrogen containers was dismissed due to safety considerations at the terminal.

“This application therefore seeks planning permission for a section of below ground hydrogen pipeline within the jurisdiction of Pembrokeshire County Council, which comprises the north part of the route from the hydrogen plant at Impala to the South Hook LNG Terminal, alongside an AGI at the Impala Terminal.”

An officer report recommending approval said: “The proposal is to construct a below ground hydrogen pipeline and an Above Ground Installation (AGI).  The southern part of the proposed pipeline is within the jurisdiction of the Pembroke Coast National Park Authority – a separate planning application has been made to PCNPA.

“The hydrogen pipeline would supply South Hook LNG terminal with low carbon hydrogen from a new hydrogen production facility at the Impala Terminal that benefits from planning permission.

“The application states that ‘the South Hook LNG Terminal will use the hydrogen to partially decarbonize their site, namely their Submerged Combustion Vaporisers (SCVs) by blending hydrogen into the natural gas stream’.”

The application was conditionally approved.

COMMUNITY groups from across Wales have united behind a new Charter calling for a fundamental overhaul of how renewable energy developments are planned and approved.

The Charter for a Just Transition to Net Zero has been launched by an alliance of grassroots and environmental organisations who say current planning arrangements favour large-scale energy developers at the expense of local communities.

Campaigners argue that residents affected by wind farms, energy parks and grid infrastructure are being left without adequate information, influence or access to independent advice, while developments are approved piecemeal without proper consideration of cumulative impacts.

The groups say the planning system is failing to give communities a meaningful voice, despite the long-term consequences for landscapes, heritage and wellbeing.

Dr Jonathan Dean, spokesman for the Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales (CPRW), said Wales must address climate change without sidelining rural communities.

“Wales must tackle climate change, but not by excluding the very communities who live in and care for these landscapes,” he said. “This Charter sets out a credible and democratic path forward, and we are urging all political parties to adopt its principles ahead of the 2026 Senedd election.”

Concerns raised in the Charter include a lack of transparency around proposed schemes, limited opportunities for early engagement, and the growing pressure on communities facing multiple overlapping energy developments.

Jenny Chryss, campaign lead at ReThink, said communities across Wales were being overwhelmed by the scale and pace of proposals.

“Right now, Wales is seeing multiple energy schemes coming forward with little regard for cumulative impacts, environmental damage or community wellbeing,” she said. “This Charter is about the basics: honesty, accountability and decisions that put people first.”

The Charter calls for a series of reforms, including early and clear disclosure of proposed developments, direct engagement with affected communities, and fair access to independent legal and technical advice.

It also calls for a pause on new approvals until cumulative impacts are properly assessed, alongside stronger protections for landscapes, heritage and public wellbeing.

Supporters say Wales can meet its climate targets while maintaining democratic accountability and public trust, warning that failing to do so risks undermining confidence in the transition to Net Zero.

The Charter has been backed by community and environmental groups from across the country, including organisations representing areas facing significant pressure from large-scale renewable energy proposals.

CPRW, founded in 1928, said the document offers a practical route to delivering climate action without sacrificing rural communities or public confidence in the planning system.

Travel disruption likely as council activates emergency shelter measures

TWO yellow weather warnings for ice and snow have been issued for Pembrokeshire over the weekend, with hazardous conditions expected to affect travel across the county.

The first Met Office warning is in force until 10:00am on Saturday (Jan 3), with a second warning running from 3:00pm on Sunday (Jan 4) until 12:00pm on Monday (Jan 5). The alerts follow an earlier warning that was in place from midnight until midday on Friday (Jan 2).

Forecasters say icy conditions and snowfall could lead to delays to bus and rail services, while drivers are being urged to plan ahead and allow extra time for journeys, particularly on untreated rural roads and higher routes across north Pembrokeshire and the Preseli Hills.

The Met Office said between 1cm and 3cm of snow is likely in parts of the county, with higher ground potentially seeing accumulations of 5cm to 8cm. Wintry showers are expected to become more frequent overnight, with icy patches forming where surfaces remain untreated.

Pedestrians have also been warned that pavements and cycle paths could become treacherous or impassable, especially during the early morning and evening hours.

In response to the cold conditions, Pembrokeshire County Council has confirmed it will activate its Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) from Friday (Jan 2) through to Sunday (Jan 4). The measure allows emergency accommodation to be provided for known rough sleepers during periods of extreme weather.

The council is urging members of the public to report anyone sleeping rough so they can be offered emergency shelter over the weekend.