Projects
Quantum optimisation for future gas network design Alpha
This Project develops a quantum-inspired optimisation approach to improve outage planning in gas transmission networks. It addresses current limitations in exploring complex planning scenarios by enabling systematic evaluation of a much larger number of options. The Project will design and test a prototype using real data allowing planners to make faster more informed and robust decisions. The solution has potential to be applied across both gas and electricity networks supporting whole-system planning improving efficiency and reducing network and customer risk.
- Electricity Distribution
- Electricity Transmission
- Gas Distribution
- Gas Transmission
Project GRID (Green Renewable Infrastructure Demand)
Project GRID (Green Renewable Infrastructure Demand) will investigate how biomethane can support the decarbonisation of two strategically important sectors: heavy goods vehicle (HGV) transport and data centres. The project will assess the technical commercial and operational feasibility of using biomethane as a low-carbon fuel for freight transport and as a primary or backup energy source for data centres.
The project will undertake a detailed review of previous work stakeholder engagement programme and spatial analysis to understand future demand available biomethane supply and opportunities for deployment. Detailed assessments will then be completed for Somerset Council’s fleet and for current and future data centre developments within the Wales & West Utilities (WWU) network area.
The outputs will provide evidence on how biomethane can support economic growth facilitate decarbonisation make greater use of indigenous renewable gas resources and potentially unlock additional biomethane injection opportunities across gas distribution networks.
Capacity Heat Mapping
Under current arrangements prospective producers may request shape files for our network which will provide information relating to gas network asset locations but until they submit an enquiry and receive initial analysis results there is no indication of capacity.
This project will produce a mapping platform to show where capacity for network entry is likely to be higher or lower this will allow producers to analyse the best points of the network to connect to based on capacity.
Innovation Highways Phase 3
Following on from the success of phase 2 the Innovation Highway phase 3 project will develop Project Synthesis a new AI-enabled capability within the Ideaonomy Highway platform. Project Synthesis will surface compare and synthesise historical innovation-project evidence against current SGN and National Gas innovation problems and challenge statements.
The capability will ingest and normalise project evidence from the Smarter Networks Portal (SNP) and Future Energy Networks (FEN) portal including HTML and PDF sources such as closure reports Project Eligibility Assessments (PEAs) and Annual Progress Reports. It will provide evidence-linked AI summaries showing what has worked what failed what has been learned and what remains unresolved so that learnings and outputs of previous knowledge can be more easily accessible.
This phase will help the energy networks reduce duplication of innovation spend improve the quality and auditability of evidence underpinning new project proposals shorten the time from problem identification to a fundable project and increase confidence under RIIO-GD3 scrutiny.
Biomethane Certificate Trading Platform
This project will deliver an initial assessment of the feasibility value and delivery options for an accessible biomethane certificate trading platform in the UK. The work will assess whether such a platform could reduce market friction increase participation and support growth in biomethane supply and demand.
Pipeline Revalidation using Quantum Sensors
To ensure ongoing safety compliance and operational efficiency WWU uses in-line inspection tools (commonly known as PIGs) to monitor the internal condition of these pipelines. These tools are critical for detecting corrosion cracking deformation and other defects.
A significant challenge within the existing P18 pipeline network is the uncertainty surrounding weld integrity. For many legacy sections the original inspection records are incomplete or unavailable; without reliable weld data it is difficult to determine whether these joints remain structurally sound or if deterioration may be developing below detection thresholds.
The project endeavours to determine whether advanced sensing can effectively assess the condition of target pipeline welding and other features defects or degradation and whether advanced sensors can be applied to existing or new PIGs to perform the weld inspection required.
The technology will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the condition of the existing network and its overall integrity and longevity beyond what is achievable through current testing methods. This enhanced insight will enable Gas Distribution Networks (GDNs) to reclassify pipelines where appropriate thereby avoiding significant capital expenditure associated with uncovering welds of unknown quality during capital projects or damage assessments. Furthermore as reliance on natural gas declines this capability will enable the repurposing of existing assets rather than leaving them redundant or decommissioned.
The Warmth of Community Phase Two
The Welsh housing stock is particularly old. One third of homes were built before 1919. Just 10% were built in the last 18 years (Better Homes Better Wales Better World report commissioned by Welsh Government as of 2019) the older housing stock may reduce comfort for homeowners without increasing their energy demand.
This project will look to explore the opportunities that may be provided utilising gas hybrid solutions and also looking to calculate the impact of such technologies on gas and electricity demand and subsequently how networks that feed the supplies can be operated in a flexible way to maximise network efficiency and support better whole systems thinking.
EPRG - European Pipeline Research Group 26.27
The European Pipeline Research Group (EPRG) undertakes a wide range of research directed towards the increasing integrity and safety of gas pipelines. Topics such as fit for purpose assessments pipeline rehabilitation & repair techniques and corrosion constitute the major areas of concern for existing pipelines. EPRG projects heavily focus on design and construction of new pipelines through researching materials that allow for increased operational pressures and reduced pipeline thickness while maintaining safety. EPRG are involved with defect assessment and fracture management where the create guidelines to assess the severity and risk of detected defects in pressurised gas pipelines. Conducting full scale material tests to understand crack propagation under cycling loading or harsh environments forms the basis for fracture and fatigue studies. Collaboration on international research programmes through industry bodies such as EPRG is essential to ensure we benefit from leveraged research. Continued participation in EPRG allows National Gas Transmission and Cadent Gas to develop a breadth and depth of knowledge that can only be realised through leveraged research programmes providing maximum cost effectiveness to the customer.
Biomethane feedstock deliverability
Cadent have been working with The Green Gas Taskforce to commission a series of reports that examine the benefits of greater biomethane generation to Great Britain’s energy system as well as the economic benefits that such volumes of green gas could provide. Work conducted by Alder BioInsights in their “Green Gas Future” report concluded that biomethane volumes of 120 TWh are possible in the UK by 2050 based on technical potential of UK feedstocks.
This project seeks to explore the operational emissions market and developmental implications of meeting the potential volumes published by Alder BioInsights (120 TWh pa by 2050) as well as the implications of meeting the NESO FES 25 Holistic Transition scenario relating to the production of biomethane in the UK (36 TWh per annum by 2035 and 64 TWh per annum by 2050).
The conclusions of this project will be published in a public report entitled “Delivering Green Gas” that:
- Outlines the viability benefits and key questions behind the integration of the UK’s agricultural supply chain AD industry and gas distribution networks.
- Highlights where they may be trade-offs or unintended consequences introduced by scaling feedstock production for biomethane and if there are ways that these can be addressed to mitigate the impact.
- Defines concrete actions that need to be taken in the agricultural sector by agricultural policy makers and others to unlock the feedstock volumes set out in the Alder BioInsights work and the NESO scenarios where this is appropriate and doesn’t introduce undesirable consequences.
- Sets out the broader economic and environmental benefits that could be provided in delivering these volumes of biomethane beyond the energy sector and particularly to the UK’s agricultural sector.
Project COLLABORATE
Project Collaborate will develop a national digital solution that enables highway authorities and utilities to plan collaborative streetworks proactively. The Alpha phase will deliver a functional prototype that automates the identification and notification of overlapping works enhances data sharing and supports early cross-sector collaboration. By integrating common data standards scalable architecture and stakeholder-driven process design the project will establish the technical and organisational foundations for national rollout. Working with a wide stakeholder group the Alpha phase will demonstrate how digital innovation can embed collaborative streetworks as standard Business as Usual (BaU) practice across the UK’s infrastructure sector.
LPG to Biomethane Conversion
Wales & West Utilities (WWU) is undertaking a major programme of change to support decarbonisation and deliver a Net Zero gas network. This project explores the potential conversion of LPG networks within WWU to biomethane as a pathway to decarbonisation. The initiative is driven by the challenge of replacing LPG in rural off-grid communities where previous alternatives—such as hydrogen blending or full electrification—face significant technical storage and infrastructure constraints.
PE Service Pipe Disconnection Phase 2
The PE Service Pipe disconnection project is an evolution from the development project in phase 1 this project is a monitored field trial evaluating a new non-excavation method for permanently disconnecting polyethylene (PE) gas service pipes that terminate in external meter boxes. Developed in collaboration with Steve Vick International and UK Gas Transporters the technique uses a foam plug and sealant system deployed through the external emergency control valve to safely isolate and abandon the service pipe as near as reasonably practicable to the main. The aim is to demonstrate compliance with gas safety legislation while reducing the need for highway excavation lowering costs improving safety and minimising disruption. The trial will gather operational safety and performance evidence to support potential wider adoption and HSE acceptance.
Fatigue Rig Post Test Inspection and Mechanical Testing of Hydrogen Charged Materials
High pressure steel pipelines are essential in enabling a safe natural gas transportation network an overly engineered solution tried and tested over several decades proving the NTS to be a robust nationwide asset. The National Transmission System is used to flow gas every day to keep the lights on and our homes heated by connecting large scale industry cities and towns where the network is dynamic allowing for flexibility and adaptability to various flow demand scenarios. This is done so by utilising over 5000 miles of varying grades and differing sizes of pipelines where the gas can flow build line pack for high energy demand areas and provide a mass energy storage solution.
The NTS is used to limit gas loss manage flow direction facilitate maintenance repair modification testing and commissioning to enable safe and effective start-up and shutdown of our pipelines. We now must further evidence pipeline steel material integrity when subjected to high pressure hydrogen gas this can be done by expanding upon the existing fatigue rig standalone testing at DNV Spadeadam.
Although some pipelines materials that we use today have seen blends and 100% hydrogen within the HYNTS Phase 1 test facility what we have not done is post hydrogen fatigue cycling non destructive testing of materials that have been subject to prolonged high pressure hydrogen. One of the welds that make up the fatigue rig has a known weld defect within it NGT aims to have the welds and the weld defect analysed through various methods of testing such as magnetic particle inspection followed by if necessary standard ultrasonic testing.
In 2022 small scale mechanical characteristic tests were conducted to characterise the mechanical properties of the materials used within the construction of the fatigue rig this testing commenced outputting a standard mechanical property data set the new end of test data post hydrogen exposure will be compared to the original data set from 2022 at the end of fatigue cycling. Testing will establish the effect of trapped hydrogen on ‘standard’ mechanical properties measured To facilitate this DNV will remove all girth welds selected seam welds and fitting welds and store them at low temperature to mitigate loss of hydrogen from within the trap sites..
A technical note will be prepared comparing the results of the weld inspections (internal and external inspections). The note will be used to confirm defect removal for metallographic examination.
A technical report will be prepared summarising the macro and microscopic examinations undertaken confirming defect size (to that reported by UT) and whether the defect was an original feature else created due to the pressure cycle duty of the test vessel and the hydrogen environment.
AI Opportunities for Consumer Centric Network Expansion Alpha
This project enhances National Gas’s strong engagement processes as infrastructure activity accelerates. Discovery highlighted a clear opportunity to improve efficiency clarity and inclusion as consultation volumes and technical complexity increase. Alpha will assess three AI supported and human-centred solutions: HYRA (accessible first contact triage) LUMA (clear localised technical explanations) and SYNCC (interpreting community input to support planning). From these one will be selected for detailed prototyping and controlled testing during alpha. The work directly supports RIIOGT3 priorities by fostering trust strengthening dialogue and enabling timely delivery of multi-molecule network upgrades nationwide while improving accessibility for communities across the country
- Electricity Distribution
- Electricity Transmission
- Gas Distribution
- Gas Transmission
Impact of Changing Weather Patterns
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.
Decarbonising Transport with Vehicle Electrolyser
Northern Gas Networks is exploring innovative solutions to decarbonize its operations and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Hydrogen fuel produced via electrolysis presents a promising alternative to conventional fuels for fleet vehicles. This project aims to assess the technical operations and economic feasibility of integrating electrolyser systems into a range of Northern Gas vehicles.
The overall project outcome is that NGN and other stakeholders are sufficiently informed to determine whether electrolyser integration is advised based on the technical operational economic and environmental impact.
AI-Driven Policy Transformation for Hydrogen Blending in Gas Distribution Networks
Development of an AI tool to implement an AI-Driven Policy Transformation for Hydrogen Blending in Gas Distribution Networks
Hydrogen Transition Pathways for Industrial Clusters
Hydrogen Transition Pathways for Industrial Clusters (HTPIC) is a six-month evidence led research and decision support project developed in response to the EIC’s call for innovation on the energy transition of industrial clusters. The project addresses the challenge of determining where how and under what conditions hydrogen should play a role in decarbonising industrial clusters and surrounding communities alongside credible alternative pathways.
Across the GB energy system existing hydrogen programmes and studies are typically undertaken on a cluster-by-cluster or project-specific basis using differing assumptions scenarios and decision criteria. This makes it difficult for networks and policymakers to compare options consistently understand system level trade-offs or prioritise investment in a transparent and auditable way. The absence of a common decision framework increases the risk of misaligned investment stranded assets and inconsistent outcomes across regions.
HTPIC aims to close this gap by providing NGN Future Energy Networks (FEN) and Xoserve with a structured repeatable decision framework that enables consistent evidence-based comparison of hydrogen pathways across industrial clusters. The project integrates technical economic social and deliverability considerations within a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework allowing complex evidence to be translated into clear and practical insights rather than standalone studies or narrative recommendations.
The project will be delivered in three stages:
- Stage 1 establishes a robust evidence baseline including a comprehensive literature and evidence review documented assumptions register and confirmation of scope and clusters.
- Stage 2 generates robust comparable evidence across clusters through four analytical workstreams covering hydrogen supply and demand gas coexistence and system configuration conversion practicality and costs and just-transition considerations while developing and calibrating the MCDM framework with stakeholders.
- Stage 3 applies the agreed framework to undertake structured optioneering and scenario analysis resulting in prioritised pathways cluster-specific conversion playbooks and decision-ready outputs.
Key outputs include:
- a literature and evidence review with a transparent assumption register;
- a defensible options-rationalisation matrix and MCDM framework;
- a comprehensive report addressing the four research questions set out in the EIC brief supported by an executive summary and cluster-specific annexes;
- cluster-level conversion playbooks translating analysis into practical location-specific insights;
- pathway roadmaps to 2050; and
- a final dissemination pack to support knowledge sharing across NGN FEN Xoserve and Ofgem audiences .
HTPIC will support improved strategic planning for hydrogen and alternative decarbonisation pathways reduce the risk of misaligned investment and stranded assets through structured prioritisation and strengthen alignment between industrial cluster ambitions and network development plans. By providing a transparent and consistent decision framework the project enables clearer sequencing of pathways more robust comparison of hydrogen and alternative options and improved confidence in future investment appraisal.
The project will also enhance understanding of affordability workforce implications and wider community impacts ensuring that pathway selection considers both technical feasibility and socio-economic factors. Through its systematic assessment of coexistence conversion practicality and deliverability HTPIC supports safer and more coordinated progression into downstream engineering and delivery programmes.
HTPIC will generate new system-level learning on hydrogen coexistence conversion practicality and community impacts presented through a structured scenario-based and weighted decision framework that enables transparent comparison across industrial clusters. This learning will strengthen evidence-based decision making across networks and provide a clearer foundation for future programme development regulatory engagement and investment planning.
Learning will be disseminated through the dissemination event final report executive summary and EIC knowledge-sharing channels supporting wider GB network benefit.
The project commences at TRL 2 where the structured assessment methodology and decision framework are defined conceptually. Over the course of delivery the framework will be applied across multiple industrial clusters tested against real-world scenarios and stakeholder calibration and analytically validated through structured optioneering.
By project close the solution will have progressed to TRL 3 with the methodology demonstrated and validated in a decision-support context delivering robust prioritisation and clearly articulated pathways.
The project does not include detailed engineering design trials or implementation. Early-stage engineering validation or delivery programmes across industrial clusters are already underway or in development through separate governance funding and procurement routes. HTPIC is designed to strengthen and rationalise those activities by providing a structured evidence base and decision framework to support confident downstream investment and engineering decisions.
Project ARAIA
This project will produce reports that will compare the Asset Interventions Database vs their asset base to provide an estimated readiness rating and confidence level against the gas networks assets for the conversion to hydrogen both 100% and blended.
Network Classifier
This project will develop a hydrogen‑specific risk‑based gas escape classification system for WWU by reviewing existing standards and methodologies modelling hydrogen leak behaviour conducting field trials and developing a final operational tool and updated procedures. The project adapts natural gas escape management processes for use on 100% hydrogen networks by analysing gaps in current practice validating real‑world behaviour through targeted trials and producing training documentation and decision‑support tools.