Plastic to Gas (CART) Feasibility Study

Plastic to Gas (CART) Feasibility Study

Status: Live
Reference: NIA3_SGN0003
Lead Network: SGN
Start Date: 01 October 2026
End Date: 01 February 2027
Budget: £356,133
Funding Mechanism: Network Innovation Allowance
Technology: Carbon Emission Reduction Technologies, Gas Distribution Networks, Gas Transmission Networks, Green Gas
Strategy Theme: Whole energy systems
Collaborating Networks: SGN
Project Partners: The project will be completed by SGN. If successful for further phases, existing innovation ecosystems will be sought as interested stakeholders like the Energy Innovation Centre (EIC), Future Energy Networks and Energy Networks Association (ENA).

Abstract

The project will deliver an integrated feasibility assessment of Carbon Recycling Technology (CART), combining laboratory validation, independent technical due diligence, and commercial analysis into a single, unified decision framework.

The objective is to determine whether CART can be progressed to demonstrator projects and ultimately commercialised as a low-carbon gas-to-grid solution for waste plastics and develop technology from TRL 2 to TRL 5.

The project is to run for approximately 4 months and will establish baseline scalability of synthesis and grid injection of waste-derived synthetic natural gas (SNG). This will enable the creation of a strong evidence-based bid to pursue SIF funding to design and build a pilot scale CART demonstrator in future development stages.

This project will generate new learning in several areas that are currently not well understood within the GB gas sector.

The project will provide evidence on the technical performance of converting mixed and contaminated waste plastics into synthetic methane suitable for use within gas networks. It will generate operational data regarding conversion efficiencies, gas quality, process stability and scalability considerations that are currently unavailable to network operators.

The project will also improve understanding of the engineering requirements for upgrading waste-derived gas to meet UK network gas quality specifications, including treatment and conditioning requirements.

Commercial learning will be generated through assessment of feedstock availability, value-chain structures, potential deployment models, and the economics of synthetic methane production from waste plastics. This will help determine whether plastics-to-gas technologies could become a viable source of low carbon gas within future energy systems.

The outputs will provide valuable evidence for all UK gas network operators considering alternative low-carbon gaseous fuel sources and circular economy opportunities.

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2026-10-01

2026-10-27