Future Energy Networks

This project investigates the technical and economic feasibility of converting non-domestic buildings from natural gas to low carbon energy sources, specifically hydrogen and electricity. It aims to address the significant evidence gap around the conversion of commercial and institutional buildings that are currently supplied by the GB gas distribution networks. The study will assess a wide range of building archetypes, including care homes, schools, hospitality venues, and light industrial sites, using a combination of literature review, site surveys, detailed system designs, and technoeconomic modelling. The outputs will inform future energy policy, support infrastructure planning, and help ensure safe and cost-effective deployment of low carbon technologies in non-domestic settings.

This project will develop network and/or entry site solutions that will enable biomethane supply to meet the swings in demand through the year.

This project will build upon previous work to inform decisions relating to the repurposing of National Transmission System pipelines for 100% hydrogen and hydrogen-natural gas blends. New input data will be generated and collated, the assessment methodology will be refined and an alternative assessment method, probabilistic, will be utilised and the resulting network impact will be considered.

This project will generate the following benefits:

• More accurate assessment of the capability of the NTS to transport 100% hydrogen and hydrogen-natural gas blends.
• Data on the impact of low percentage blend hydrogen on pipeline materials.
• Standardised document for Engineering Critical Assessments (ECA) of hydrogen and hydrogen-natural gas blend pipelines and pipework.

Greater understanding on the effect of hydrogen on the design and operation of pipeline systems.

This project aims to explore the impact of hydrogen blends (in natural gas), 100% hydrogen and carbon dioxide on contaminants (arisings) likely to be found in gas transmission pipelines (e.g. Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORMs), dusts, mill scale, welding slag, glycols, water, BTEX, methanol, heavy metals, sulphur compounds, pyrophorics as well as rotating machinery lube/seal oils and valve sealants etc).

The project will aim to understand the current composition and characteristics of any contaminants, the impact of hydrogen and carbon dioxide on the behaviour/composition/presence of contaminants, establish how long methane related contaminants will persist on the network (for repurposed pipelines), the potential for contaminants to cause pipeline gas to go ‘off-spec’ and the implications of contaminant interactions on National Transmission System (NTS) operation/integrity.

National Gas are investigating the use of the National Transmission System to transport hydrogen and hydrogen blends. To support this, research and testing is required to understand the risks of high pressure hydrogen transmission, including ignition. This project will identify, for 100% hydrogen and blends of hydrogen up to 20%, the sources of ignition including how the distance of ignition sources affects the likelihood of ignition. It will also investigate the frequency and the different types of ignition events e.g. jet fires. Lastly, it will look at the probability of ignition on sites and in pipework.

UK gas networks are managed and maintained using an extensive suite of policies, policies standards and procedures. These documents have been developed gradually over decades of gas network operation, however the transition to hydrogen necessitates a wholesale review and update of all existing documents. There is much commonality between the networks’ documents and therefore it would be most efficient to update these documents in a coordinated way to avoid the unnecessary duplication of effort.

The aim of this project is to study and recommend a a resilient solution for National Gas’ remote operations, considering also harsh operational environments from a communications perspective. A technical study will be undertaken on mobile, hybrid satellite-cellular terminals, compatible with use with batteries, targeting the National Gas operation teams deployed in locations where traditional connectivity options are limited or non-existent. There will be a focus on solutions that integrate cellular and satellite communication technologies suitable for its installation in the operation teams’ vehicles and that can also become a portable terminal for those areas that can only be reached by foot.

This project has enormous potential to benefit all customers in vulnerable situations as it will provide accurate assessment of communities and all interested parties to provide suitable support to the area. This will enable GDN, DNO, Electricity transmission, and Gas transmission partners such as community groups to specifically target areas with relevant support, this will allow project partners to accurately provide information which will be bespoke to the specific needs of the area such as Carbon Monoxide awareness, Priority Services Register messaging, increasing awareness and registrations.

It will allow GDN’s or other service providers to enlist support for VCMA, BAU or NIA projects directly addressing the needs of communities, rather than adopting a broad-brush approach which has been the traditional approach. This system will present itself as the very foundation for future years projects and investments, specifically as we progress through the energy system transition which will help address the very real and ever-changing needs of communities and vulnerable customers groups by putting data at the front and centre of future decision making for GDN’s and partners.

NGT is committed to supporting the government and the broader industry in achieving the Net Zero target by 2050. CCUS, alongside hydrogen, will play a critical role in reaching this goal. Since the existing infrastructure was originally designed for methane, adapting it to transport these new gases presents significant engineering challenges. To address this, an extensive research program has been launched to assess the technical feasibility of repurposing sections of the NTS for hydrogen and carbon dioxide transportation. While repurposing existing pipelines will be an essential part of the transition, it will not be sufficient, new infrastructure will be required to support a scalable hydrogen and carbon network. Given the ambitious deployment timelines, meeting these targets will require not only innovative technical solutions but also a holistic strategy that integrates the supply chain and fosters collaboration across the industry.

This project will develop and evaluate a predictive flood monitoring system for Above Ground Installations (AGIs) and pipeline assets using real-time sensor data and 48-hour surface water forecasting. The system will be deployed at four locations identified through a nationwide flood risk survey. The trial will assess the system’s accuracy, responsiveness, and operational value across diverse environments. The project supports climate adaptation, regulatory compliance, and asset resilience by enabling early warning and proactive intervention. It aligns with RIIO-2 NIA objectives by reducing flood-related disruption, enhancing safety, and informing future investment decisions. The project will conclude with a technical report and recommendations for wider rollout under RIIO-3.

The characteristics of transmission pressure hydrogen and natural gas blends are not fully understood, including relative leakage behaviour. This project will test whether or not methane and hydrogen within a blend leak at the same rates, or whether due to its small size, hydrogen will leak at a ratio greater than its relative concentration, and whether it leaks where methane does not.

Understanding the leak behaviour of hydrogen in a natural gas blend will ensure we can operate a blended system safely, particularly in enclosed spaces, and will ensure that the carbon benefit of hydrogen enrichment is not lost through fugitive emissions. Also, as green hydrogen is currently significantly more expensive than natural gas, the shrinkage costs associated with hydrogen fugitive emissions could be considerable.

In 2022 a consortium of Urenco, EDF, the UK Atomic Energy Authority and Bristol University were awarded £7.7m worth of funding from the UK Government Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to develop a hydrogen storage solution, HyDUS. This solution could help to alleviate storage across GB. Unlike conventional storage approaches that rely on salt caverns or depleted fields, HYDUS uses modular metal hydride technology, enabling above ground deployment in geologically constrained areas.

This project will evaluate the feasibility and value of deploying HyDUS, a modular above-ground hydrogen storage system, as a means of storage across GB. The project will use WWU’s proposed HyLine hydrogen transmission corridor in Wales and South West England as a case study.

As the UK attempts to decarbonise residential heat to meet net zero by 2050, electric heat pumps along with heat networks are expected to play a key role. However, it is generally accepted that no one technology will be able to meet the needs of all households. If we are to deliver affordable low- carbon heating in the residential sector, we shall need as wide a range of technology options as possible to overcome the economic and technical challenges facing every customer.

Project GaIN (Gathering Insights) will explore alternatives to heat pumps and heat networks which can utilise the robust gas network and benefit from its current upgrade programme, supporting the aims of DESNZ’s decarbonisation of heat roadmap. The project will discover and assess additional technology options where alternative solutions might be more costly or difficult to deliver; this will include LAEP system benefits as well as localised CAPEX and OPEX costs.

This project will undertake testing on technology for distributed production of low carbon hydrogen from natural gas, biogas or other short chain hydrocarbons from waste. Which uses 90% less electricity than electrolysis of water and with 68% lower total energy costs.

The project will support early movers and convert gas from our network into a low carbon hydrogen solution. The compact and modular deployment of the technology enables hydrogen production systems to be installed directly at the energy user's site. These systems convert grid-supplied natural gas to hydrogen on demand, eliminating the need for additional infrastructure or on-site hydrogen storage, and leaves the rest of the network unaffected

This project will provide National Gas Transmission (NGT) with a clear technical understanding and strategy for the deployment of recompression solutions for Net Zero gas networks, including hydrogen blends, 100% hydrogen and Carbon Dioxide transmission.

The NIA Safe Venting & Recompression of Hydrogen innovation project explored the possibility of repurposing natural gas recompression units for hydrogen blends and 100% hydrogen and investigated new solutions for hydrogen pipeline recompression as part of routine maintenance activities.

This project will take further NGT’s knowledge of hydrogen recompression for different scales and applications on the NTS to reduce venting, and explore similar solutions for carbon dioxide pipelines.

The work will develop a pathway for the biomethane sector to monetise CO2 and identify the role the gas networks can play, reducing the long-term cost of gas decarbonisation.

Problem Digital exclusion remains a significant challenge across the UK, preventing many individuals—particularly those in vulnerable circumstances—from accessing critical information and services. As energy networks increasingly rely on digital channels for communication, those without internet access, digital skills, or confidence in using online tools face barriers in receiving important updates, such as emergency notifications and service disruptions. Current communication strategies, while effective for digitally engaged users, fail to reach those who are excluded due to economic, geographic, or personal barriers. This project seeks to bridge this gap by rethinking communication strategies to ensure all consumers, regardless of digital access, receive the information they need in a timely and accessible manner. Project Aims & Key Objectives Building upon the learnings from the previous Digital Exclusion project (NIA_CAD0088), this project aims to develop new, inclusive communication strategies that enhance engagement with digitally excluded individuals. The research project will determine what new approaches may be able to be adopted by energy networks to aid consumers who could otherwise be left vulnerable due to being digitally excluded. By adopting a human-centred approach, the project will:

• Understand how digitally excluded individuals currently access information and navigate daily life.
• Identify barriers in existing energy network communication strategies.
• Co-design and test new approaches that improve information delivery and engagement for those excluded from digital channels.
• Provide recommendations for scalable, long-term improvements in energy communication infrastructure. Project Outputs The project will deliver the following tangible outputs across the following stages: Stage 0 – Outreach
• Identification of priority demographics which are most affected by digital exclusion.
• Engagement with several digital inclusion hubs to identify and introduce stakeholders to the project.

Project Plan – Rethinking Communication for Digital Exclusion

Stage 1 - Insight

• A comprehensive research report detailing the lived experiences of digitally excluded individuals.
• Analysis of existing communication strategies used by energy networks, highlighting gaps and opportunities.

Stage 2 - Collaboration

• A series of co-design workshops engaging key stakeholders to generate and refine potential solutions.
• Prototype solutions tested in real-world settings, with iterative refinement based on feedback.

Stage 3 - Impact

• A strategic roadmap for scaling successful solutions across the energy sector.
• A final report consolidating research insights, prototype evaluations, and recommended implementation strategies. Expected Benefits
• For digitally excluded consumers: More effective, trusted, and accessible communication methods ensuring they receive vital energy-related information.
• For energy networks: Improved customer engagement, compliance with accessibility standards, and enhanced reputation for supporting vulnerable groups.
• For wider stakeholders: Development of scalable best practices that can be applied beyond the energy sector to improve communication with digitally excluded populations. TRL
• Start TRL: 2 (Technology concept formulated)
• End TRL: 5 (Technology validated in a relevant environment)

National gas pipeline systems rely heavily on protective coatings and cathodic protection to prevent corrosion and ensure long-term integrity. Coatings act as the primary barrier against environmental exposure, while cathodic protection—typically using sacrificial anodes or impressed current systems—supplements this by mitigating electrochemical reactions that cause metal degradation. The introduction of hydrogen into these pipelines, as part of decarbonization efforts, presents new challenges. Hydrogen can permeate coatings and accelerate corrosion processes, especially in the presence of certain microbes. Microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC), driven by bacteria such as sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB), can be exacerbated by hydrogen, which some microbes use as an energy source. This interaction may compromise both the coating and cathodic protection systems, necessitating advanced materials and monitoring strategies to maintain pipeline safety and performance in a hydrogen-integrated future.

Significant efforts are required to support the transition of our energy systems moving away from carbon-intensive fuels such as coal, diesel, petrol and gas, towards cleaner sources of power generation such as wind, solar, nuclear and hydrogen. There is a potential for hydrogen to play a hugely significant role in our energy system, the extent of which will be driven by a range of factors, including the ability to transport it to where it is needed. There have been recent positive decisions for hydrogen’s potential uses in blending, transportation, domestic heating and industry. To produce sufficient hydrogen to meet this potential need, it will be important to increase and diversify hydrogen production methods.

As nuclear is a reliable and consistent source of clean energy that is unaffected by external factors such as the weather, Northern Gas Networks and Wales and West Utilities would like to investigate the possible use of nuclear power as a method of delivering the future increased demand in hydrogen production. This project will explore the opportunity for hydrogen production from nuclear to support a net zero transition across the gas network.

Benefits of nuclear-enabled hydrogen (NEH) in the context of gas distribution networks (GDNs) will be explored, building on the established benefits of nuclear energy production.

The overall project outcome is that NGN, WWU, and other stakeholders are sufficiently informed to determine whether further investment and integration of nuclear-enabled hydrogen to transition plans are justified, and how a potential first project could take its next step to deployment through securing technology licences, sites, off takers and financing.

The study will identify the significant technical, fiscal and political challenges current heat decarbonisation strategy faces, and outline an alternative approach involving greater use of hybrid devices that offers both lower consumer costs and greater potential to cut carbon emissions than projected based on current policy and consumer behaviour. Arguments will be presented through four linked pieces of analysis:

1. An examination of the costs of the Government’s Clean Heat Market Mechanism (a key policy intervention to promote heat pumps in the appliance market).
2. An approximation of the additional network upgrade requirement early transfers to heat pumps represent in comparison to hybrids.
3. A view on what extending the Green Gas Levy beyond its current cut-off date could do to the emissions intensity of the gas distribution network (by encouraging more biomethane production).
4. Voter polling that analyses their view on different approaches to heat decarbonisation.

The paper will include a series of policy recommendations for government to take forward in order to enhance progress on decarbonisation of domestic heat.

The UK’s biomethane sector faces challenges due to the diverse and non-standardized grid entry requirements across different Gas Distribution Networks (GDNs). This variability leads to increased costs, complexity, and lead times for biomethane projects, hindering the industry’s growth and efficiency.

The Sustainable Vehicle Transport (SVT) feasibility study project will undertake a green gas refuelling study specific to SGN’s network areas in Scotland and Southern incorporating biomethane in the form of bio-CNG and the potential for a future hydrogen option. Along with heat, transport is a key sector to decarbonise on the journey to net zero. Battery electric vehicles are well suited to small vehicles but for heavy goods vehicles (HGV) and larger commercial vehicles (LCV), like the type that make up the majority of SGN’s operational fleet, this may not be the most appropriate technology given the range and on-board power requirements.

The following is a proposed outline for a report on the decarbonisation benefits and potential of biomethane in the UK Road Haulage sector.

The report will position biomethane as:

1. A complimentary technology to zero tailpipe emission vehicles that offers faster decarbonisation potential due to the near-term infrastructure scalability of the technology and the suitability for long distance and non-fixed route logistics.
2. A cost-effective way to reduce Carbon emissions by over 84% over the next 15-20 years whilst zero tailpipe emission technologies are developed, and the supporting infrastructure is deployed.
3. An enabler to the transition to zero tailpipe emission vehicles by offering reduced carbon abatement costs that, in turn, can generate funds to invest in zero emissions infrastructure and vehicles.

It will serve as a reference document for discussions with industry stakeholders, governments, and regulators.

This project will conduct market research on available, or soon to be available hybrid products for discussion and presentation back to WWU and WW Housing to choose a preferred solution for the properties identified that are suitable to trial the equipment in. The project will provide networks with demand data and look to aggregate this over WW Housing stock to understand wider impact on gas networks, if this was considered a viable option to decarbonise housing stock.