Future Energy Networks

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.

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.