Projects
Carbon Networks
As the UK transitions to a low-carbon energy future gas networks must consider how strategic utilisation of existing assets can be realised. GDNs must also consider adjacent markets such as CCUS and its role in the supply chain now and in the future. The project will take a pragmatic approach to provide SGN with an assessment of the role of the gas network in the growing UK CCUS market
HyBlend II
This project assembles a multi-laboratory team to address high-priority research topics identified by industry related to the blending of hydrogen into the U.S. natural gas pipeline network. PRCI has been contracted by DOE to provide contract and invoicing support which allows additional members to join after project start.
There were four main activities being performed in Phase 1 of the CRADA project that fell under two categories: materials research and analysis. Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) led the materials research on metals which is primarily used for natural gas transmission while Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) headed the research on polymeric materials which comprise the natural gas distribution network. Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) was responsible for life-cycle analysis while the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) performed techno-economic analysis on hydrogen blending scenarios the work on these subjects will be extended in Phase 2.
Gas Networks Evolution Simulator
The Gas Network Evolution Simulator (GNES) is an innovative project aimed at optimising the transition away from natural gas by using advanced Agent Based Modelling (ABM). GNES simulates the complex interactions between stakeholders such as Gas Distribution Networks (GDNs) Electricity Networks consumers and policymakers. It analyses economic social and environmental impacts of gas network decommissioning and explores new infrastructure opportunities. By identifying challenges and benefits GNES supports the development of cost-effective equitable solutions that support vulnerable populations ensuring a smooth transition to low-carbon energy sources while minimising consumer disruption and maximising network efficiency.
East Midlands Hydrogen Storage (EMStor)
UK’s Net Zero Emissions Target and the Role of Hydrogen: The UK has committed to a legally binding net zero emissions target by 2050. Achieving this target necessitates the integration of hydrogen particularly in hard-to-decarbonize industrial applications and peaking power generation. The recent publication of the Climate Change Committee’s Seventh Carbon Budget highlights hydrogen’s significant role within the electricity supply sector. Hydrogen is identified as a crucial source of long-term storable energy that can be dispatched as needed and as a feedstock for synthetic fuels. For hydrogen to fully contribute to a future hydrogen system its production storage and transportation must be considered collectively.
East Coast Hydrogen (ECH) Project: In recent years Cadent in partnership with National Gas and Northern Gas Networks (NGN) has developed the East Coast Hydrogen (ECH) Project. The ECH project aims to decarbonize primarily industry and power sectors. As part of this initiative Cadent has developed the East Midlands Hydrogen Pipeline (EMHP) which aims to connect hydrogen production at Uniper’s Ratcliffe on Soar site to major industrial and power off-takers in the East Midlands. The project seeks to transport hydrogen to major population centres including Nottingham Leicester Melton Mowbray Derby and Burton upon Trent. During the development of the EMHP it became evident that hydrogen storage plays a critical role in establishing a resilient and efficient hydrogen system. Consequently a consortium was formed to explore the feasibility of storage leading to the East Midlands Storage Project (EMSTOR).
Discovery Phase of EMSTOR: During the Discovery Phase EMSTOR evaluated various technologies for large-scale hydrogen storage in the East Midlands. The technologies considered included lined rock caverns lined rock shafts silos and geological storage options such as aquifers and disused hydrocarbon fields. After comparing these technologies against several technical parameters including Technology Readiness Level (TRL) cost size and location relative to pipelines it was determined that hydrogen storage in geological fields particularly disused hydrocarbon fields is the most viable option. Therefore disused hydrocarbon fields in geological formations were selected for further consideration in the Alpha Phase.
Alpha Phase Consortium: To execute the Alpha Phase a consortium led by Cadent and including Star Energy Ltd Centrica Energy Storage National Grid British Geological Society University of Edinburgh and Uniper was established. This consortium will focus on advancing the feasibility and implementation of hydrogen storage in disused hydrocarbon fields.
Understanding the value of remote detectors
The statistical ‘value’ (i.e. risk reduction and cost) of remote hydrogen detectors has been determined through statistical based projects as part of the hydrogen heating programme (HHP). The cost has been shown to outweigh the risk however given hydrogen is not a mature heating solution the cost can be justified in response to risk appetite from key stakeholders such as consumers. This risk appetite is assumed. There is currently no analysis (qualitative or quantitative) into consumers attitudes towards the ‘value’ of remote detectors. This project will begin to explore the perception of risk reduction from remote detectors to be used to compliment the statistical based analysis to paint a fuller picture towards the utilisation and crucially the value of remote detectors.
Welding Residual Stress Measurements and Analysis for Gas Pipelines
This project concerns the research into welding residual stress values and the effect that they have on the overall pipework repurposing assessment route described in relevant hydrogen standards. Currently overly conservative values need to be applied for welding residual stresses in any repurposing assessment. This project aims to build evidence on actual and modelled residual stresses seen within the pipelines industries with a focus on natural gas pipelines. As the welding residual stress is a critical aspect of the fracture mechanics assessment any improvements which can be gained would have an overall positive impact on the assessment results.
Hybrid Heat Systems (HHS) Acceleration Route
Project will deliver strategic analysis and recommendations to support the accelerated adoption of Hybrid Heat Systems (HHS) in GB. This includes assessing technology options commercial models stakeholder perspectives and system integration pathways. The work will result in actionable insights clear positioning of HHS within the wider decarbonisation strategy.
Hydrogen-Enhanced Biomethane for Energy System Resilience
Biomethane from Anaerobic Digestion is currently injected into Gas Distribution Networks as a renewable alternative to fossil-fuel based natural gas.
AD plants currently supply largely constant flows whilst gas demand fluctuates daily and seasonally creating supply-demand imbalances which increase system balancing requirements.
Flexible locally produced biomethane could help GDNs manage system balance by increasing injection during demand peaks or cold spells.
This project will use biomethanisation injecting hydrogen to convert additional CO₂ within digesters to boost biomethane output dynamically supporting network balancing and Net-Zero ambitions.
Operational and regulatory frameworks will also be assessed to enable wider adoption of dynamic injection.
Simplifying Low Carbon Heat
This study examined options for making progress on domestic heat decarbonisation against an ongoing backdrop that most consumers in GB have not chosen to install heat pumps. The study finds that forcing consumers to do so is likely to increase costs for everyone and spark backlash against climate policy. The paper sets out the parameters for a more flexible pathway which supports technologies including hybrid heat pumps based on emissions and cost savings. The core finding is that by allowing consumers to transition more gradually to newer technologies this approach offers a lower-cost and more voter-friendly (and therefore deliverable) pathway to net zero.
LISTEN – Local Insights Supporting Transparent Energy Networks
The LISTEN (Local Insights Supporting Transparent Energy Networks) project aims to create a scalable data-led approach to understanding and building social consent for the energy transition. LISTEN integrates AI-driven tools place-based engagement and co-designed dashboards to help energy networks plan with communities not just for them.
The platform brings together four core elements:
- Regional Dashboards: Visualising insights by geography topic and demographics to inform planning and engagement strategies.
- Multi-Source Data Capture: Synthesising local news social media planning documents and community events for a holistic view of local feeling.
- Voice-Enabled Surveys: Capturing authentic community sentiment in people’s own words with AI sentiment analysis assessing tone confidence and emotion.
- Tailored Recommendations: Providing SGN and partners with actionable insights and engagement strategies aligned with Ofgem’s fairness and consumer-centric priorities.
Maximising the use of a decommissioned network
This project constitutes a research study exploring innovative opportunities to repurpose decommissioned gas pipelines and associated assets to support future energy systems and critical infrastructure needs.
By exploring diverse repurposing options beyond hydrogen and carbon dioxide it is hoped that it will be possible to identify potential growth areas for gas pipeline assets that in some areas may otherwise become stranded. The study will include a review of economic viability technical feasibility and regulatory considerations for any identified options.
Fixed Thermal Probe/Proxy Flow Meter
We’re developing a low-cost easy-to-install solution to measure gas flow at regulator stations. The goal is to keep the equipment as simple and non-intrusive as possible.
To measure the flow we’ll use two methods:
- One method checks how open the regulator is and the pressure difference across it to estimate the flow.
- The other uses a small sensor that creates a slight temperature change at the outlet which also helps estimate the flow.
By combining these two methods with the regulator’s technical details we aim to measure the flow with an accuracy of about ±10%.
RTN modelling- Bio Methane
The UK gas networks are undergoing a major transition to support the integration of green gases including biomethane and hydrogen. A significant challenge is the inability of the current design modelling. Cadent’s current modelling relies on outdated assumptions and lacks the granular real-time demand insight needed for modern decarbonising gas networks. Existing tools cannot capture intra-day demand variability below-7-bar network complexity or the growing impact of biomethane injections—creating risks in planning operational decisions and reinforcement strategy.
RTN addresses these challenges by delivering accurate weather-adjusted consumer-level demand modelling and integrated analysis across pressure tiers. This enhances forecasting improves biomethane integration and strengthens model validation and operational control. In the future state RTN provides Cadent with a modern data-rich and automated modelling capability that reduces unnecessary reinforcement improves customer outcomes supports the energy transition and lays the foundation for potential future use in peak-demand modelling and regulatory engagement.
This programme is leveraging the data and learning from historic projects to develop a range of novel network modelling tools that will enable bio gas designs to be informed consumer focused and optimised for localised conditions and demands.
H2 Housing Design
This project will explore ventilation and explosion relief requirements for housing currently used on the gas network for pressure regulating installations (PRIs). Housings currently provide security from a range of factors from weather to vandalism while also providing the necessary relief requirements in the event of an emergency. The understanding of these requirements for Natural Gas has been developed however work conducted in the IGEM TD/13 hydrogen supplement did not fully address whether these design specifications are suitable for use with Hydrogen. This multi-stage project will first explore the design specifications listed in industry standards (IGEM/TD/13 GIS/PRS/35 SGN/SP/CE/10 etc) and understand which of these may be appropriate and which may require redesign. The latter stage of this project will take the design specifications deemed to be unsuitable for use with hydrogen and conduct testing to develop revised design specifications which would provide the necessary relief requirements.
IGEM TD1 / TD13 Hydrogen Supplements Review
IGEM have received requests from operators to update the hydrogen TD1 / TD13 supplements to take account of outputs from research projects. The project will review and assess the updates required based on findings from completed hydrogen research projects. This will support the repurposing of existing pipelines and installations from Natural Gas to hydrogen and Natural Gas/hydrogen blends with input and support from users/stakeholders and formal approval by IGEM.
The project will also develop a methodology for fracture and fatigue assessments for existing Natural Gas pipelines to be repurposed to hydrogen service. This methodology will assess the impact of blends of hydrogen up to and including 100% hydrogen to determine whether pipeline derating and/or deblending is required. The requirements for the application of this specification should be included in the updates to the IGEM/TD/1 and IGEM/TD/13 hydrogen supplements.
Sustainable Vehicle Transport
The Sustainable Vehicle Transport (SVT) feasibility study project will undertake a green gas refuelling study specific to SGN’s network areas in Scotland and Southern incorporating biomethane in the form of bio-CNG and the potential for a future hydrogen option. Along with heat transport is a key sector to decarbonise on the journey to net zero. Battery electric vehicles are well suited to small vehicles but for heavy goods vehicles (HGV) and larger commercial vehicles (LCV) like the type that make up the majority of SGN’s operational fleet this may not be the most appropriate technology given the range and on-board power requirements.
Hazardous Areas Impact Mitigation (HAIM) Phase 3
NIA_NGN_346 demonstrated that in a 100% hydrogen conversion scenario hazardous areas of some above ground installations (AGIs) on the network would extend far beyond their current site boundaries. The Hazardous Area Impact Mitigation (HAIM) work programme was set up to investigate these findings and develop potential mitigations. Results highlighted discrepancies between the calculated values from the IGEM/SR/25 hydrogen supplement and empirical test measurements as well as revealed the compound impact of rounding on calculated hazardous zones.
HAIM 3 will propose two methods to reduce the specified zones from AGIs based on the evidence to date:
- Refine the IGEM/SR/25 supplement based on evidence from the HAIM results.
- Use the knowledge gained during the HAIM works to adapt AGI vents and sites to reduce plume sizes and hence exclusion zones. This is independent of any changes to IGEM/SR/25 and can be applied in parallel.
Both methods independently act to reduce the specified zones surrounding vent pipes in AGIs.
Additional evidence gaps around hydrogen/Natural Gas blends up to 20% will be examined by replicating the phase 2 workshop tests for blends. During the project additional opportunities will be sought to collaborate and share knowledge with any third-party studies of large-scale gas releases.
SHINE Non-Electric Boiler
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.
Wireless Methane Odorant Detector
This project aims to improve natural gas leak detection for over 3.5 million people with acute smell disorders e.g. anosmia. Traditional methane sensors require high power limiting placement. The legally required odorant (80% tert-butyl mercaptan and 20% dimethyl sulphide) will continue as the UK transitions to hydrogen or blends necessitating re-calibration of detectors.
Our solution is an odorant-based gas detector using a custom ultra-low power electrochemical sensor to measure TBM. These sensors operate for over 10 years on a sealed lithium-ion battery detecting TBM from 20-30ppb (below our smell threshold) up to 1500ppb (20% of the Lower Explosion Level) ensuring early warning of gas leaks.
With no natural sources of TBM false positives are eliminated. The Sensor is ‘hydrogen ready’ maintaining consistent odorant levels during the transition to hydrogen or blends accurately notifying of gas leakage without reconfiguration.
Fairer Warmth Hub
The Fairer Warmth Hub (FWH) connects stakeholders of the Net Zero Transition through place-based strategies providing tools and guidance to facilitate local energy plans and enhance collaboration. The FWH integrates digital tools and community engagement to facilitate effective communication and planning among diverse stakeholders including households small businesses schools social healthcare and local authorities. FWH is designed to bridge the gap in the energy transition by providing tailored support to these stakeholders ensuring that the transition is inclusive and just. The FWH integrates three core elements:
- Trained ‘Champions’ – Volunteers or staff known as Champions are recruited and trained to support community engagement helping to build trust and reduce miscommunication in local energy initiatives.
- Digital Tools (Virtual Assets) – Innovative digital tools (App + Website) and resources are used to facilitate energy transition planning and community engagement particularly assisting Customer In Vulnerable Situation (CIVS) and those who are digitally excluded.
- Community Centres (Non-Virtual Assets) – Physical community hubs serve as accessible locations for hands-on support providing a space for CIVS and other stakeholders to engage directly in the energy transition.