Future Energy Networks

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.

The Retractable Probe directly tackles a critical constraint in biomethane integration: the disconnect between modelled and actual network capacity during low-demand periods. By enabling real-time, high-resolution flow data from retrofitted PRIs, this innovation unlocks latent capacity, allowing for more confident, dynamic flow commitments. With proven international precedents and a low-cost, scalable design, the probe offers a transformative step toward decarbonising the UK’s gas infrastructure—turning data scarcity into actionable intelligence and accelerating the transition to a greener, more resilient energy system.

Wales and West Utilities are partnering with HydroStar, Welsh Water and NGED to look at two demonstrator projects required from new electrolyser systems and the associated electrolyte that ensures resilience of hydrogen supply across the network, giving best value for money and energy security within WWU’s network, along with other UK wide Gas Distribution Network (GDN) customers.

Current electrolysers focus on stack-efficiency and hydrogen purity without considering real-world manufacturing and operational constraints, and the high costs associated. This project focusses on utilising impurified-water, e.g. rainwater, storm-overflow and industrial process wastewater as feedstock, which reduces operational constraints and costs for customers whilst enabling wide-scale uptake of low-carbon hydrogen.

View our Year One Annual Report here:

Future Energy Research & Insights | Wales & West Utilities

nextgen-electrolysis-beta_-y1-annual-report.pdf

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.

The PE Service Pipe disconnection development project aims to produce a product and technique which can safely, successfully and efficiently disconnect PE Service Pipes from an external Emergency Control Valve (ECV) following meter removal. This solution aims to prevent the inconvenience, risks, and additional costs associated with traditional excavation methods.

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.