Future Energy Networks

IGEM have received requests from operators to update the hydrogen TD1 / TD13 supplements to take account of outputs from research projects. The project will review and assess the updates required based on findings from completed hydrogen research projects. This will support the repurposing of existing pipelines and installations from Natural Gas to hydrogen and Natural Gas/hydrogen blends, with input and support from users/stakeholders and formal approval by IGEM.

The project will also develop a methodology for fracture and fatigue assessments for existing Natural Gas pipelines to be repurposed to hydrogen service. This methodology will assess the impact of blends of hydrogen up to and including 100% hydrogen to determine whether pipeline derating and/or deblending is required. The requirements for the application of this specification should be included in the updates to the IGEM/TD/1 and IGEM/TD/13 hydrogen supplements.

Climate change-related events are increasing in frequency and consequence across Great Britain. Changing weather patterns are disrupting gas network assets, supply chains, and infrastructure, altering the risksandvulnerabilities on the network. This project aims to anticipate evolving weather trends impacting gas networks to ultimately reduce operational disruption and support SGN’s Climate Resilience Strategy.

The Innovation Highway phase 2 project will utilise AI and machine-learning to optimise the full innovation value chain. The platform will develop a minimum commercial product to help facilitate collaboration amongst networks, and other sectors such as water companies so they can innovate together. AI-empowered algorithms will simplify the identification, mapping, assessment and selection of problems and ideas, reducing manual processing time and enhancing effective decision making; this will support identifying and prioritising projects that will deliver the highest benefits. The platform will also help networks automate the development of cost benefit analysis.

Existing defect assessments and repair methodologies are aligned with the P/11, P/20 and PM/DAM1 management procedures and are adopted to inspect, assess and repair the pipelines for defects and take suitable measures to reduce them. However, the scope and applicability of these assessment and repair methodologies in the presence of gaseous phase carbon dioxide remain uncertain. The key challenges which the project aims to address are:

• Will existing repair techniques such as epoxy shell, welded shells, composite wraps, gouge dressing etc. be suitable for transmission of gaseous phase carbon dioxide?
• What are the different defects we may encounter or consider hazardous in the presence of carbon dioxide? What are the impacts of carbon dioxide on each defect type? And how much does water/corrosion exacerbate this?
• Have the mechanisms of failure for each defect type changed after introducing carbon dioxide?
• Can we implement the assessment and repair methodologies safely? Are the techniques safe and suitable for the pipeline operations and maintenance teams?

The project seeks to answer the above in addition to understanding the types and extent of repairs across the NTS and review the impact of carbon dioxide on the effectiveness of these inspection, assessment and mitigation technologies.

Being able to repurpose transmission assets for use with hydrogen and hydrogen blends can create a reliable and affordable option for decarbonising the UK and achieving Net Zero by 2050. A reliable and affordable energy system is needed to create “a fair, affordable and inclusive transition to low carbon energy” (OFGEM) for all consumers (vulnerable or otherwise).

ISCC is potentially a major risk to the integrity of high-pressure pipelines repurposed for hydrogen blends. A means of assessing the risk is required as part of a pipeline integrity management system. This project aims to develop a clear risk assessment methodology which updates and enhances the methodology under NIA_NGGD0008. The methodology will then be deployed and tested across the Cadent LTS pipeline network with physical inspections being carried out on locations with high risk of ISCC.

The LISTEN (Local Insights Supporting Transparent Energy Networks) project aims to create a scalable, data-led approach to understanding and building social consent for the energy transition. LISTEN integrates AI-driven tools, place-based engagement, and co-designed dashboards to help energy networks plan with communities, not just for them.

The platform brings together four core elements:

• Regional Dashboards: Visualising insights by geography, topic, and demographics to inform planning and engagement strategies.
• Multi-Source Data Capture: Synthesising local news, social media, planning documents, and community events for a holistic view of local feeling.
• Voice-Enabled Surveys: Capturing authentic community sentiment in people’s own words, with AI sentiment analysis assessing tone, confidence, and emotion.
• Tailored Recommendations: Providing SGN and partners with actionable insights and engagement strategies aligned with Ofgem’s fairness and consumer-centric priorities.

Leveraging AI to drive the evolution of standards to optimise and enhance the safe operation of energy networks by automating the extraction of key technical evidence from an expanse of R&D documents for the purpose of engineering policymaking.

NGN currently operate a Lotus Notes application with a bespoke electronic Logbook system to capture all of the activity with day and planned ahead that occurs within our gas control centre. This system has been in operation since 1997 and has proven to be a highly reliable and flexible tool to manage planned works, faults, general site activity and wider issues.

The current technology is outdated and contains years’ worth of data causing it to be slow. There are no links between Lotus notes and other vital control room applications (SCADA etc.). Raising faults becomes a tedious task and the Logbook and other in-apps are not user friendly. There are no updates available to improve the existing system.

The current system needs to be replaced but to achieve that we need a full exploration of where technology can deliver to our requirements, and to fully explore the impact of net zero and what new functionality may be required to manage the transition to net zero.

This is an early stage feasibility project to understand all of the challenges, opportunities and risks that UK GDNs face with their systems, in order to help facilitate the transition to net zero energy systems.

The MASiP Phase 3 project aims to develop, test, and qualify a new pipeline system (MASiP) as a safe and cost-effective alternative to traditional steel pipelines for pipelines operating above 7 bar, capable of transporting natural gas, biogas, and up to 100% hydrogen. Building on Phases 1 and 2, this phase focuses on the technical assessment of tight radius bends, tees, and damage repair, as well as the integration of live monitoring systems in a prototype operational environment. Comprehensive validation will include connectors, coatings, repair systems, hot-tapping solutions, ground movement tolerance, durability, and design life testing. All testing will be carried out in accordance with IGEM, API, and ASME standards, supported by statistical and independently witnessed trials to generate robust qualification data for industry adoption. The key deliverable is a validated, deployable hydrogen-ready pipeline system that is safe, compliant, and cost-effective, offering potential cost savings of up to 50% compared with steel. The project outcomes will support the UK’s RIIO-GD2 strategy and 2050 net-zero targets by enabling hydrogen-ready infrastructure, improving monitoring, installation efficiency, and long-term reliability, while also providing the evidence base required for regulatory, policy, and industry acceptance of alternative pipeline materials.