Future Energy Networks

This project will entail a feasibility study to assess the viability of developing a secure, scalable, and interoperable data sharing infrastructure for National Gas Transmission (NGT), supporting regulatory compliance, stakeholder access, and alignment with NESO’s DSI initiative. The main objective is to gain a better understanding of how we share data currently and how this will change moving forward both within established participants and enabling new participants and stakeholders to benefit from National Gas’s data. This will support the wider NESO led DSI initiative. Using two NGT data systems as a use case for this study

Repurposing of natural gas pipelines made of carbon steel for use with hydrogen blends requires a fitness-for-service analysis as part of the hydrogen use safety case. Girth welds of an unknown quality exist in the Local Transmission System (LTS). In hydrogen service these welds would have a greater susceptibility to fracture failure due to material embrittlement caused by interaction of steel material with hydrogen.

Current in-line inspection methods do not routinely inspect girth welds for defects. This project aims to test the available technology for its capability to detect defects and cracks in girth welds. This will provide valuable data for engineering critical assessments required to repurpose natural gas pipelines. It will also inform about the state of art inspection techniques and whether they can be used as a tool for repurposing pipelines.

This project will focus on barholing operations conducted after an emergency gas escape within the H100 Fife Distribution Network Operations. The scope will consider H100 scenarios, specifically the establishment of a new distribution network to deliver Hydrogen to selected properties in the conversion area. The minimum pressure for the H100 Fife Distribution network is 27 mbar, and the maximum pressure is 75 mbar. The aim of this project is to provide further evidence to support SGN operations on the H100 distribution network during emergencies and any future trials or broader rollouts of Hydrogen.

Steer Energy has been identified as a suitable contractor for executing this project due to their extensive expertise in this field and their previous work on the Barhole Trials and ITL Haldane Drill Isolator project. Steer has a proven partnership with SGN and the wider gas industry, offering a variety of services, including experimental lab testing, training, and testing facilities.

This project will explore the feasibility of integrating hydrogen train refuelling infrastructure to support the development of a hydrogen rail network. This has particular relevance to our network as some of the UK’s hardest to electrify rail routes are situated in Wales and South West England. The project will focus on these hard to electrify routes, exploring H2’s potential role in enabling their decarbonisation. If successful, this project can help the WWU network to become a proving ground for real-world delivery of impactful H2 rail technology. It is expected to provide information which can be used in planning strategic hydrogen pipeline routes and network repurposing plans, and support regional energy planning.

NIA_NGN_346 demonstrated that in a 100% hydrogen conversion scenario, hazardous areas of some above ground installations (AGIs) on the network would extend far beyond their current site boundaries. The Hazardous Area Impact Mitigation (HAIM) work programme was set up to investigate these findings and develop potential mitigations. Results highlighted discrepancies between the calculated values from the IGEM/SR/25 hydrogen supplement and empirical test measurements, as well as revealed the compound impact of rounding on calculated hazardous zones.

HAIM 3 will propose two methods to reduce the specified zones from AGIs based on the evidence to date:

• Refine the IGEM/SR/25 supplement based on evidence from the HAIM results.
• Use the knowledge gained during the HAIM works to adapt AGI vents and sites to reduce plume sizes and hence exclusion zones. This is independent of any changes to IGEM/SR/25 and can be applied in parallel.

Both methods independently act to reduce the specified zones surrounding vent pipes in AGIs.

Additional evidence gaps around hydrogen/Natural Gas blends up to 20% will be examined by replicating the phase 2 workshop tests for blends. During the project, additional opportunities will be sought to collaborate and share knowledge with any third-party studies of large-scale gas releases.

This project will identify and evaluate current technology available for pipes suitable for use in natural gas, blended gas, and hydrogen gas networks operating above 7 bar.

This project will see QEM Solutions conduct a comprehensive literature review of market reports on pipes used in high-pressure gas systems, as well as of existing options for transportation of high-pressure gas in industrial uses with transferrable learnings. QEMS will develop a matrix comparing pros and cons of each solution and consolidate the findings into a final project report.

The project will facilitate the energy system transition by investigating the available and most optimal pipeline materials for natural gas, blended gas, and hydrogen gas networks above 7 bar, considering all operational, capex requirements, and full lifecycle costs. This work is important for informing investment decisions in pipeline replacement materials, addressing a gap in current knowledge.

This project assembles a multi-laboratory team to address high-priority research topics identified by industry related to the blending of hydrogen into the U.S. natural gas pipeline network. PRCI has been contracted by DOE to provide contract and invoicing support which allows additional members to join after project start.

There were four main activities being performed in Phase 1 of the CRADA project that fell under two categories: materials research and analysis. Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) led the materials research on metals, which is primarily used for natural gas transmission, while Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) headed the research on polymeric materials, which comprise the natural gas distribution network. Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) was responsible for life-cycle analysis while the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) performed techno-economic analysis on hydrogen blending scenarios, the work on these subjects will be extended in Phase 2.

This project aims to assess and enhance the hydrogen readiness of ball valves within the (NTS) by conducting maintenance strategy evaluation with material performance analysis. It involves reviewing current valve operations, diagnostics, and OEM maintenance guidance, alongside a literature review of commonly used valve materials to understand their behaviour under hydrogen exposure. The project valve performance testing and finite element analysis of existing valve designs to evaluate structural integrity. Findings from these activities will provide actionable recommendations for updating NGT’s valves maintenance strategies, diagnostic tools, and design standards to support safe and efficient hydrogen service deployment

This project aims to develop a robust, evidence-based framework to support the introduction of standardised separation distance tables for 100% hydrogen, similar in format and function to those in IGEM/TD/3 for natural gas and hydrogen blends. This will address a gap in current standards for hydrogen. The Institute of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM) are providing resource to support the project, and to update any necessary standards.

The Cadent Hybrid Heating & Services Beyond the Meter (SBtM) project is a collaborative initiative between Cadent Gas and Guidehouse Europe, aiming to trial a more integrated approach to delivering hybrid heating systems for vulnerable and fuel-poor households. The project seeks to bring together current approaches via schemes—such as Cadent’s own Services Beyond the Meter (SBtM) programme, the Energy Company Obligation (ECO), and the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF)—into a single, customer-focused pathway that combines appliance upgrades, insulation, heating system installations, and tailored advice. Through a phased residential trial, the project will coordinate the installation of hybrid heating technologies, monitor impacts on customer bills and emissions, and gather feedback from both consumers and industry stakeholders. The ultimate goal is to demonstrate the benefits of a joined-up approach to decarbonising home heating, inform national policy, and support Cadent’s role in achieving low-carbon heating targets, while ensuring robust governance, risk management, and stakeholder engagement throughout the process.