Net zero and the energy system transition
Standardised Biomethane Connection Designs
National Gas has seen a significant increase in the number of enquiries from biomethane developers for connections to the NTS.
There are currently circa 66 projects the connections team have identified as having NTS connection potential with an associated volume of 5.9TWh per annum.
Developers are attracted to the NTS for numerous reasons but the following are the main drivers:
- No injection of propane or odorant
- Capacity and capability
To speed up time to connect to a biomethane facility this project was developed to produce an innovative standardised design for a Minimum Offtake Connection (MOC) in a pit.
FutureGrid CO2
FutureGrid CO2 is the final phase of a suite of Carbon Dioxide projects looking at how National Gas can repurpose parts of its network to transport gaseous-phase Carbon Dioxide safely. What started out as literature reviews and feasibility studies will turn into physical testing and demonstration. National Gas will be using its world-leading FutureGrid facility to demonstrate how Carbon Dioxide will flow through its pipes delivering on its promise to further use this facility after our successful FutureGrid SIF Beta projects. We will also be completing carbon dioxide venting ruptures and real-time impurity corrosion tests- all of which are underexplored.
Probabilistic Fitness-for-Service Assessment of Hydrogen Pipeline Girth Welds
Repurposing of natural gas pipelines made of carbon steel for use with hydrogen blends requires a fitness-for-service analysis as part of the hydrogen use safety case. Girth welds of an unknown quality exist in the Local Transmission System (LTS). In hydrogen service these welds would have a greater susceptibility to fracture failure due to material embrittlement caused by interaction of steel material with hydrogen.
Current inspection methods do not routinely inspect girth welds for defects. Deterministic defect assessment models require the use of conservative assumptions for defect sizes material properties and loading. This can lead to overly pessimistic conclusions about the suitability of pipelines with girth welds for use with hydrogen.
More detailed probability-based assessments are required to reduce the inherent pessimism in deterministic calculation methods. This would provide confidence of the safety and allow for greater use of the LTS with hydrogen and contribute to a quicker and cheaper energy transition for the UK gas network.
Future Hydrogen Safe Control of Operations (SCO) Procedures
Following the work completed on the policies and procedures project by QEMS WWU have identified the requirement to update and re-vamp the existing Safe control of operations (SCO) procedures used by the network to support delivery of upcoming projects.
Hydrogen Rollout Assessment
This project will help WWU to understand considerations for 100% Hydrogen Rollout at a town scale to inform future activity on preparation for repurposing. Areas will be chosen which are representative of different networks housing stock and demographics which will require different approaches and engagement.
The Potential of Biomethane to Accelerate the Decarbonisation of UK HGVs
The following is a proposed outline for a report on the decarbonisation benefits and potential of biomethane in the UK Road Haulage sector.
The report will position biomethane as:
- A complimentary technology to zero tailpipe emission vehicles that offers faster decarbonisation potential due to the near-term infrastructure scalability of the technology and the suitability for long distance and non-fixed route logistics.
- A cost-effective way to reduce Carbon emissions by over 84% over the next 15-20 years whilst zero tailpipe emission technologies are developed and the supporting infrastructure is deployed.
- An enabler to the transition to zero tailpipe emission vehicles by offering reduced carbon abatement costs that in turn can generate funds to invest in zero emissions infrastructure and vehicles.
It will serve as a reference document for discussions with industry stakeholders governments and regulators.
Net Zero Safety & Ignition Risk
National Gas are investigating the use of the National Transmission System to transport hydrogen and hydrogen blends. To support this research and testing is required to understand the risks of high pressure hydrogen transmission including ignition. This project will identify for 100% hydrogen and blends of hydrogen up to 20% the sources of ignition including how the distance of ignition sources affects the likelihood of ignition. It will also investigate the frequency and the different types of ignition events e.g. jet fires. Lastly it will look at the probability of ignition on sites and in pipework.
Project Volta
This project will undertake testing on technology for distributed production of low carbon hydrogen from natural gas biogas or other short chain hydrocarbons from waste. Which uses 90% less electricity than electrolysis of water and with 68% lower total energy costs.
The project will support early movers and convert gas from our network into a low carbon hydrogen solution. The compact and modular deployment of the technology enables hydrogen production systems to be installed directly at the energy user's site. These systems convert grid-supplied natural gas to hydrogen on demand eliminating the need for additional infrastructure or on-site hydrogen storage and leaves the rest of the network unaffected
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.
Future Operability of Gas for System Integration (FOGSI) Alpha
The project will develop an integrated hierarchical network modelling framework for simulating the operation of future GB energy system scenarios with highly interconnected gas and power networks. The realistic modelling of power-to-gas and storage operators’ behaviour will be emphasised. The integrated models will be demonstrated on a simulation platform as real-time digital twins for future system scenarios.
Considerable novelty will lie in the combination of modelling scale and granularity; representation of many autonomous decentralised agents making sub-optimal decisions; and the optimal resolution of dilemmas arising from the finite energy budgets constraining primarily weather-driven low to zero carbon scenarios.
Flexible Gas Transition Plant – Phase 1 Feasibility Study
Analysis of the distribution networks undertaken in the H2 Caledonia and H2 Connect projects has identified sectorisation isolation as the optimal approach for conversion. Sectorisation isolation allows for a sector-by-sector approach ensuring the gradual conversion of existing Natural Gas connections over to hydrogen or managing the disconnection process should customers opt for alternative heating solutions. This project will aim to develop an understanding of the technical and financial feasibility of a Flexible Gas Transition Plant (FGTP) through primary project outputs such as: outline of design options development of a list of transition use cases a cost benefit analysis (CBA) for each transition scenario and a roadmap for future phases including prototype design and trials.
Project GaIN
As the UK attempts to decarbonise residential heat to meet net zero by 2050 electric heat pumps along with heat networks are expected to play a key role. However it is generally accepted that no one technology will be able to meet the needs of all households. If we are to deliver affordable low- carbon heating in the residential sector we shall need as wide a range of technology options as possible to overcome the economic and technical challenges facing every customer.
Project GaIN (Gathering Insights) will explore alternatives to heat pumps and heat networks which can utilise the robust gas network and benefit from its current upgrade programme supporting the aims of DESNZ’s decarbonisation of heat roadmap. The project will discover and assess additional technology options where alternative solutions might be more costly or difficult to deliver; this will include LAEP system benefits as well as localised CAPEX and OPEX costs.
Alternative to overhead/underground electricity cables
This project will consider what role the below ground gas network (new or repurposed) could play in transporting energy over long distances instead of electricity transmission and distribution upgrades. The project will help WWU understand how the use of the current or future gas system would compare to electricity infrastructure for long distance transmission and what factors could influence cross system decision making. The project will also create a comparison tool that allows users to compare case studies.
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.
Effects of Water Ingress in a Hydrogen Network
Wales & West Utilities is undertaking a major programme of change to support decarbonisation and deliver a Net Zero gas network. The primary objective of this project is to investigate the effects of water ingress within a 100% hydrogen network and a blended hydrogen/natural gas network. The goal is to determine whether the introduction of hydrogen into the gas network could cause any additional impacts when water ingress occurs and to compare these effects to those observed in the current natural gas network.
H2 Site Safety Systems
This project will examine the suitability of existing Fire and Gas (F&G) detection and suppression systems for use with hydrogen blends of up to 20%. These systems comprise: fire detection fire suppression gas detection and associated control systems. They are found in compressor cabs and at network terminals.
Through CFD modelling three representative F&G systems will be individually assessed for compatibility with blends and will then be used as examples to make comments on the suitability of other F&G systems on the network. Where assets or control systems are not suitable this project will not design a new system but recommend where changes should be made and demonstrate how those changes safely manage risk – including cost estimation for upgrade or retrofit.
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.
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.
Carbon Networks Phase 2
The UK Government has identified Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) as a critical enabler of industrial decarbonisation committing £20 billion to early deployment and targeting 20-30 MtCO₂ stored annually by 2030. Much of the UK’s industrial emissions are geographically concentrated opening the door to targeted CCUS clusters that can deliver outsized impact. GDNs are well positioned to play a meaningful role in this emerging ecosystem.
In Carbon Networks Phase 1 Blunomy assessed the strategic fit between CCUS and the GDN business model. The study identified a range of potential roles including local CO₂ collection participation in transport and storage networks and support for blue hydrogen and CO₂ utilisation initiatives – and it highlighted the importance of early positioning to shape regulatory and commercial pathways.
Phase 2 aims to build on this foundation and move from conceptual framing to actionable insight. Blunomy in the next stage will explore specific industrial opportunities within SGN’s and WWU’s footprint engage with project developers and clusters and outline potential pilot activities. Alongside this the work will assess how CCUS participation aligns with SGN’s broader priorities and the implications for regulatory engagement and investment planning.
Fatigue Rig Destructive Testing
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.
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.
Accuracy of electronic volume conversion systems when metering blends of hydrogen and natural gas
This project focuses on ensuring accurate volume conversion within gas metering processes as hydrogen is blended into the natural gas network across Great Britain. Accurate measurement is essential for fair billing and maintaining customer trust during the energy transition. The project will study real world metering installations assess potential errors caused by hydrogen blending and develop practical mitigation strategies. Findings will inform updates to industry guidance (IGEM/GM/5) supporting regulatory compliance and operational integrity.
HyProximity
This project aims to develop a robust evidence-based framework to support the introduction of standardised separation distance tables for 100% hydrogen similar in format and function to those in IGEM/TD/3 for natural gas and hydrogen blends. This will address a gap in current standards for hydrogen. The Institute of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM) are providing resource to support the project and to update any necessary standards.
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 Blending Implementation Programme Phase 2B
Following the successful completion of Blending Implementation Plan (BIP) Phase 1 (Planning) in 2023 and BIP Phase 2A (Design) in 2025 the gas networks have engaged KPMG to proceed with the next phase of the programme BIP Phase 2B (Delivery).
Running from February 2026 to November 2026 and focusing on Market Frameworks impacts Phase 2B is required to build on the consensus achieved in Phase 2A and close out all implementation areas that require joint-decision making by the networks. These decisions pertain to detailed design of the application window and industry governance. The outcomes of Phase 2B will create a clear and consistent pathway for individual networks to support the application window and connections process alongside addressing common areas of industry governance based on collective decision making to meet timelines of future HAR.
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.
Catalysing Biomethane Growth in the UK
This project constitutes a UK-wide strategic assessment of the policy and regulatory frameworks governing biomethane production and grid injection with the objective of identifying how these frameworks can be updated to unlock growth. The review will examine the current policy landscape support mechanisms and regulatory arrangements affecting biomethane development including uncertainties associated with existing schemes and fragmented governance structures.
Hydrogen Condition and Test Effects (HCATE): NIA project funding
The Hydrogen Condition and Test Effect (HCATE) project will investigate the effect of moisture on fatigue crack growth rate (FCGR) and the influence of loading rate on fracture toughness of API 5L X52 pipeline steel in hydrogen environments. The project will generate experimental data to improve understanding of how environmental conditions influence crack propagation behaviour and fracture resistance in pipeline steels.
Laboratory-scale testing will be conducted on representative pipeline material in air and pressurised gaseous hydrogen environments including hydrogen saturated with water and hydrogen containing trace oxygen. These conditions are intended to simulate environmental conditions that may be present within pipeline systems.
Complementary fracture toughness testing will also be conducted at different loading rates to evaluate the influence of loading conditions on fracture resistance. The results will support the development of improved pipeline integrity assessments and contribute to the evidence base required for the safe repurposing of the UK Local Transmission System (LTS) for hydrogen transport.
Hydrogen Fracture Surfaces Assessment
The LTS Futures project aims to understand how the local transmission system (LTS) could be repurposed from Natural Gas to hydrogen. The project encompasses several elements which will feed into a blueprint methodology for repurposing the LTS to hydrogen. During one of the work elements LTS Futures conducted full-scale testing of pipeline defects and small-bore connections exposed to hydrogen. Testing was conducted until failure to provide information for hydrogen pipeline design standards and operational procedures. This project will undertake further detailed analysis of the fracture surfaces to provide a visual confirmation of hydrogen diffusion into the pipeline microstructure and if this contributed to failure.
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.
Biomethane HP storage injection
To investigate the potential to use high pressure storage assets to directly inject biomethane.
Network Blending Blueprint
The Technical Blueprint Project forms a critical enabling phase of Cadent’s Hydrogen Blending Implementation Programme. Its purpose is to translate existing high level hydrogen blending evidence into a detailed network specific asset level and operationally deliverable blueprint that defines what is required for the gas network to safely and compliantly accommodate hydrogen blends of up to 20% by volume once regulatory approval is granted.
While previous industry projects have established that hydrogen blending is feasible in principle many technical operational and cost decisions remain at an asset process system and people level. These gaps currently prevent informed investment decisions and cannot be addressed through business‑as‑usual activity. This project addresses that gap by undertaking structured technical validation impact refinement and mitigation definition across Cadent’s network with a particular focus on the North West and East Midlands as pilot regions.
The project will coordinate specialist technical suppliers to validate prior hydrogen impact assessments against the most up‑to‑date safety evidence identify and close remaining evidence gaps and determine clear final mitigation positions for all affected assets and operational activities. Outputs will be consolidated into a single integrated technical blueprint providing a sequenced and costed set of actions required to achieve “blend readiness”. Areas confirmed as having no impact will also be explicitly documented to avoid unnecessary future intervention and cost.
The Technical Blueprint will provide Cadent and wider GB networks with a robust evidence‑based foundation to support future regulatory submissions funding reopeners and implementation planning. Learning generated will be transferable across gas distribution networks supporting a coordinated cost‑effective and safe transition toward hydrogen blending while reducing long‑term consumer risk and avoiding premature or inefficient investment.
Air Ingress in a Live Environment
Using Cartrefi Hydrogen Home as a test case this project will enable remote monitoring of air ingress phenomena within the home. The system will be used to characterise the current behaviour of the house and to investigate generic air ingress dynamics in a representative domestic hydrogen installation.
Project Evergreen
This project will develop understanding of how the GB gas network would operate in a system aligned to Future Energy Scenarios (FES) 2025 scenarios for 2050.
Project Capstone
In 2022 a consortium of Urenco EDF the UK Atomic Energy Authority and Bristol University were awarded £7.7m worth of funding from the UK Government Department for Business Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to develop a hydrogen storage solution HyDUS. This solution could help to alleviate storage across GB. Unlike conventional storage approaches that rely on salt caverns or depleted fields HYDUS uses modular metal hydride technology enabling above ground deployment in geologically constrained areas.
This project will evaluate the feasibility and value of deploying HyDUS a modular above-ground hydrogen storage system as a means of storage across GB. The project will use WWU’s proposed HyLine hydrogen transmission corridor in Wales and South West England as a case study.
Suitability of 17-4 PH Stainless Steel Gas Components
The transition from natural gas to hydrogen introduces new material challenges within the context of the GB gas network. One critical concern is hydrogen embrittlement particularly in 17-4 Precipitation Hardened (PH) Stainless Steel commonly used in axial flow regulators and other key gas network components like valve stems. Hydrogen embrittlement can significantly reduce ductility fatigue life and fracture toughness potentially leading to component failure. While research exists much of it focuses on extreme conditions (e.g. high pressures and rapid temperature cycling) that do not reflect typical operational environments in the GB gas network.
This project will look to combine industry knowledge literature review and empirical testing to address these outstanding challenges.