Future Energy Networks

This project is a first of its kind exploration into the applicability of quantum-inspired optimisation to improve and accelerate modelling of future gas transmission configurations and whole-systems planning. It will assess use cases where these techniques can enhance scenario coverage, integrate multiple additional energy vectors, address current computational limitations in modelling hydrogen and CO₂ networks, and improve granularity of planning outputs. By engaging National Gas and supported by NESO, the project will identify where quantum-inspired methods offer the greatest system-wide benefit, culminating in a prioritised use case and roadmap for Alpha-phase development.

This project will provide National Gas Transmission (NGT) with a clear technical understanding and strategy for the deployment of recompression solutions for Net Zero gas networks, including hydrogen blends, 100% hydrogen and Carbon Dioxide transmission.

The NIA Safe Venting & Recompression of Hydrogen innovation project explored the possibility of repurposing natural gas recompression units for hydrogen blends and 100% hydrogen and investigated new solutions for hydrogen pipeline recompression as part of routine maintenance activities.

This project will take further NGT’s knowledge of hydrogen recompression for different scales and applications on the NTS to reduce venting, and explore similar solutions for carbon dioxide pipelines.

The work will develop a pathway for the biomethane sector to monetise CO2 and identify the role the gas networks can play, reducing the long-term cost of gas decarbonisation.

This project evaluates the rapidly developing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) sector and assesses the technical, commercial, regulatory and safety feasibility of repurposing existing gas pipelines to transport liquid aviation fuels. The uptake of SAF is critical to decarbonising the UK aviation industry and achieving net zero targets. To support the scale-up of SAF production and use, the development of reliable, affordable and low-carbon infrastructure is essential. Pipelines offer a cost-effective, environmentally sustainable and high-capacity transport solution. The study aims to enable scalable SAF infrastructure while providing a productive, long-term use for gas assets that are unlikely to be required for refurbishment or alternative repurposing.

Problem Digital exclusion remains a significant challenge across the UK, preventing many individuals—particularly those in vulnerable circumstances—from accessing critical information and services. As energy networks increasingly rely on digital channels for communication, those without internet access, digital skills, or confidence in using online tools face barriers in receiving important updates, such as emergency notifications and service disruptions. Current communication strategies, while effective for digitally engaged users, fail to reach those who are excluded due to economic, geographic, or personal barriers. This project seeks to bridge this gap by rethinking communication strategies to ensure all consumers, regardless of digital access, receive the information they need in a timely and accessible manner. Project Aims & Key Objectives Building upon the learnings from the previous Digital Exclusion project (NIA_CAD0088), this project aims to develop new, inclusive communication strategies that enhance engagement with digitally excluded individuals. The research project will determine what new approaches may be able to be adopted by energy networks to aid consumers who could otherwise be left vulnerable due to being digitally excluded. By adopting a human-centred approach, the project will:

• Understand how digitally excluded individuals currently access information and navigate daily life.
• Identify barriers in existing energy network communication strategies.
• Co-design and test new approaches that improve information delivery and engagement for those excluded from digital channels.
• Provide recommendations for scalable, long-term improvements in energy communication infrastructure. Project Outputs The project will deliver the following tangible outputs across the following stages: Stage 0 – Outreach
• Identification of priority demographics which are most affected by digital exclusion.
• Engagement with several digital inclusion hubs to identify and introduce stakeholders to the project.

Project Plan – Rethinking Communication for Digital Exclusion

Stage 1 - Insight

• A comprehensive research report detailing the lived experiences of digitally excluded individuals.
• Analysis of existing communication strategies used by energy networks, highlighting gaps and opportunities.

Stage 2 - Collaboration

• A series of co-design workshops engaging key stakeholders to generate and refine potential solutions.
• Prototype solutions tested in real-world settings, with iterative refinement based on feedback.

Stage 3 - Impact

• A strategic roadmap for scaling successful solutions across the energy sector.
• A final report consolidating research insights, prototype evaluations, and recommended implementation strategies. Expected Benefits
• For digitally excluded consumers: More effective, trusted, and accessible communication methods ensuring they receive vital energy-related information.
• For energy networks: Improved customer engagement, compliance with accessibility standards, and enhanced reputation for supporting vulnerable groups.
• For wider stakeholders: Development of scalable best practices that can be applied beyond the energy sector to improve communication with digitally excluded populations. TRL
• Start TRL: 2 (Technology concept formulated)
• End TRL: 5 (Technology validated in a relevant environment)

This project will assess the application of Rising Pressure Reformer (RiPR) technology to produce a tuneable blend of biogenic methane and hydrogen, supporting the decarbonisation of gas networks. The project will focus on the how control of the gas produced would fit with requirements for network injection, and assessing locations for connection.

Power outages are a regular occurrence in Great Britian with average annual customer minutes lost in Great Britain range between 31.57 minutes 51.4 minutes depending on the Distribution Network Operator License Area (Statista, 2021). This is of course not evenly distributed with outages varying from a few minutes up to more than a week in more extreme circumstances. Similarly, single outages can affect a single property or several thousand properties depending on the cause. This project will aim to develop a low-cost, user-friendly solution, whereby customers in vulnerable situations will still be able to use their gas heated boiler, as well as LPG and oil heated boilers, in the event of a power outage.

This project will deliver a series of reports and presentations which reflect the need to minimise disruption during any conversion taking into account customer needs and the wider supply chain not just the needs of the GDN.

National Gas has seen a significant increase in the number of enquiries from biomethane developers for connections to the NTS.

There are currently circa 66 projects the connections team have identified as having NTS connection potential, with an associated volume of 5.9TWh per annum.

Developers are attracted to the NTS for numerous reasons, but the following are the main drivers:

• No injection of propane or odorant
• Capacity and capability

To speed up time to connect to a biomethane facility this project was developed to produce an innovative standardised design for a Minimum Offtake Connection (MOC) in a pit.

The Stopple technology is a flow stop tool essential for major projects and emergency works across the LTS and NTS gas network. Its capability was tested in 100% hydrogen within a helinite environment, in line with LTS Futures parameters as phase 1. This project focuses on validating flow-stopping technology as an additional deliverable with LTS Futures live hydrogen trial on the Granton to Grangemouth pipeline as a welded tee and hot-tapping operations is already being carried out. The trial will confirm the Stopple train’s effectiveness as a double-block and bleed solution for a 100% hydrogen system which will be available for the UK Gas Network. The findings will provide critical insights into the safe and efficient operation of the hydrogen networks supporting the transition from natural gas to hydrogen.