Future Energy Networks

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 is developing a new pipeline system to serve as an alternative to conventional steel pipelines in the transmission network. The material used in this pipeline will render it 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.

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.

This project is a research and analysis desktop study to provide a clear evidence base for regulatory and strategic governance pathways related to multi-occupancy building (MOB) decarbonisation. By mapping legislation, standards, and regional constraints, SGN will develop the building blocks for a decision-making framework to justify future investment and planning choices across various low-carbon technologies.

This project constitutes a research study exploring innovative opportunities to repurpose decommissioned gas pipelines and associated assets to support future energy systems and critical infrastructure needs.

By exploring diverse repurposing options beyond hydrogen and carbon dioxide, it is hoped that it will be possible to identify potential growth areas for gas pipeline assets that in some areas may otherwise become stranded. The study will include a review of economic viability, technical feasibility, and regulatory considerations for any identified options.

Situation: As National Grid ESO transitions to the NESO it will take on the role of Regional Energy Strategic Planners, which will bring a focus on the alignment of Local Area Energy Plans and distribution network planning.

Complication: Current regional distribution network future energy scenarios are produced by electricity distribution networks. Gas distribution networks do not have an equivalent activity. Accordingly, regional and local area energy planning is not informed by a balanced consideration of all energy vectors.

Solution: An agile and easy to use Whole Energy Systems Pathway (WESP) tool, with detailed temporal and spatial investment planning capabilities, to enable a regional whole energy system planning capability which informs gas network planning, as well as inform national, regional and local planners, in an objective, evidence-based way.

This project will help Cadent to understand considerations for a Net Zero Multi-Vector at a town scale, to inform future activity on preparation for repurposing. An area will be chosen which is representative of different networks, housing stock and demographics, which will require different approaches and engagement.

The Technical Blueprint Project forms a critical enabling phase of Cadent’s Hydrogen Blending Implementation Programme. Its purpose is to translate existing high level hydrogen blending evidence into a detailed, network specific, asset level and operationally deliverable blueprint that defines what is required for the gas network to safely and compliantly accommodate hydrogen blends of up to 20% by volume, once regulatory approval is granted.

While previous industry projects have established that hydrogen blending is feasible in principle, many technical, operational and cost decisions remain at an asset, process, system and people level. These gaps currently prevent informed investment decisions and cannot be addressed through business‑as‑usual activity. This project addresses that gap by undertaking structured technical validation, impact refinement and mitigation definition across Cadent’s network, with a particular focus on the North West and East Midlands as pilot regions.

The project will coordinate specialist technical suppliers to validate prior hydrogen impact assessments against the most up‑to‑date safety evidence, identify and close remaining evidence gaps, and determine clear, final mitigation positions for all affected assets and operational activities. Outputs will be consolidated into a single, integrated technical blueprint, providing a sequenced and costed set of actions required to achieve “blend readiness”. Areas confirmed as having no impact will also be explicitly documented to avoid unnecessary future intervention and cost.

The Technical Blueprint will provide Cadent and wider GB networks with a robust, evidence‑based foundation to support future regulatory submissions, funding reopeners, and implementation planning. Learning generated will be transferable across gas distribution networks, supporting a coordinated, cost‑effective and safe transition toward hydrogen blending, while reducing long‑term consumer risk and avoiding premature or inefficient investment.