Projects
Low Carbon Conversion of Non Domestic Properties Utilising Distributed Natural Gas
This project investigates the technical and economic feasibility of converting non-domestic buildings from natural gas to low carbon energy sources specifically hydrogen and electricity. It aims to address the significant evidence gap around the conversion of commercial and institutional buildings that are currently supplied by the GB gas distribution networks. The study will assess a wide range of building archetypes including care homes schools hospitality venues and light industrial sites using a combination of literature review site surveys detailed system designs and technoeconomic modelling. The outputs will inform future energy policy support infrastructure planning and help ensure safe and cost-effective deployment of low carbon technologies in non-domestic settings.
Domestic Air Ingress Mitigations
This project will help to provide assurance to UK Gas Distribution Network Operators (GDNOs) and wider industry on the safe design of domestic gas appliances in a future where hydrogen is being distributed in network pipelines. A risk to the normal safe operation of appliances under 100% hydrogen operation exists where a flammable hydrogen/air mixture is supplied to the appliance creating the potential for flashback to occur within the gas installation pipework. This work will provide assurance that domestic appliances designed to operate on 100% hydrogen are designed in a way which do not enable flashback to occur.
The project will also investigate the long-term feasibility of installing an auto-locking Emergency Control Valve (ECV) at the end of 100% hydrogen networks to ensure that any reinstatement of supply after a period of isolation can only be undertaken by a competent gas engineer.
Excess Flow Valve (EFV) Durability
This project will help to inform UK Gas Distribution Network Operators (GDNOs) and wider industry on the long-term suitability of existing Excess Flow Valve (EFV) designs in a future where hydrogen is being distributed in network pipelines. A risk to normal EFV functionality exists in the event that an ignition occurs within the downstream gas installation pipework and this project will help to understand the effectiveness of existing EFV designs to manage this risk identifying any necessary modifications to existing EFV designs where appropriate.
Hydrogen device trials
In order to support UK ambitions for hydrogen blending and the development of a hydrogen economy National Gas will need to install new gas chromatographs with the capability to measure hydrogen up to 20% in a natural gas blend. At present hydrogen is not measured anywhere on the National Transmission System (NTS) and therefore there are no proven in-use devices and limited experience within the company to allow effective decision making in deploying these assets in the move towards net zero.
In order to make informed decisions ahead of chromatograph fleet upgrade and to allow for a wide selection of reliable device choices when it comes to that upgrade National Gas require the testing of available devices to analyse their performance and thus suitability for NTS installation. This project will employ a trusted testing house to obtain (through loaning) blend-ready chromatographs from suppliers and then to rigorously examine the performance of those devices. These devices could be tested at the testing house’s site or at the instrument vendor’s site.
Net Zero Impact on Wider Network Contents
This project aims to explore the impact of hydrogen blends (in natural gas) 100% hydrogen and carbon dioxide on contaminants (arisings) likely to be found in gas transmission pipelines (e.g. Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORMs) dusts mill scale welding slag glycols water BTEX methanol heavy metals sulphur compounds pyrophorics as well as rotating machinery lube/seal oils and valve sealants etc).
The project will aim to understand the current composition and characteristics of any contaminants the impact of hydrogen and carbon dioxide on the behaviour/composition/presence of contaminants establish how long methane related contaminants will persist on the network (for repurposed pipelines) the potential for contaminants to cause pipeline gas to go ‘off-spec’ and the implications of contaminant interactions on National Transmission System (NTS) operation/integrity.
Sector Size Assessment
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.
Rethinking Communication for Digital Exclusion
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)