EPRG - European Pipeline Research Group 26.27

EPRG - European Pipeline Research Group 26.27

Status: Live
Reference: NIA_NGT0295
Lead Network: National Gas Transmission PLC
Start Date: 01 July 2026
End Date: 01 March 2027
Budget: National Gas Transmission- £50,000 Cadent Gas- £45,000 Total- £95,000
Funding Mechanism: Network Innovation Allowance
Technology: Asset Management, Environmental, Gas Distribution Networks, Gas Transmission Networks, Health and Safety, Maintenance Inspections, Measurement, Resilience
Strategy Theme: Net zero and the energy system transition
Collaborating Networks: Cadent, National Gas Transmission PLC
Project Partners: EPRG is a cooperation of European pipe manufacturers and gas transportation companies. It comprises around 20 member companies, from 9 European countries with a group budget of approximately 2 million Euros/year. In RIIO-3 since EPRG sanctioning and registration is to be done annually, for the first year (July 2026 – March 2027), the involved partners are as follows:

Abstract

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.

Collaboration on international research programmes, through industry bodies, is essential to ensure we benefit from leveraged research. The programmes we participate in will allow National Gas Transmission and Cadent Gas to develop new learning for specific challenges we face on the NTS. For example, reducing the unit costs of pipelines through researching new materials, and to understand and benefit from the research on the challenges other operators are facing which we may experience in the future. Without these leveraged research programmes, we would not be able to develop the breadth and depth of knowledge that these afford. Learning from relevant projects is briefed out to technical staff through workshops.

A list of the research undertaken through EPRG will be published on our websites. This practice allows interested parties to engage with our technical experts via industry workgroups to access the learning gained. Publications are made available on the EPRG website ( http://www.eprg.net/home ), where there is a specific section on Publication and dissemination of information. “The publication and dissemination of the results, recommendations and guidelines emanating from EPRG’s research has always been an important activity. EPRG regularly publishes research results, recommendations and guidelines in journals and at conferences, enabling the findings to be subjected to critical peer review and made available to the wider pipeline industry”.

Learning is also disseminated through industry journals and international conferences. Technical papers are submitted and presented at international conferences such as the International Pipeline Conference (IPC) which is held every two years and is open to all interested parties who wish to attend.

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