Net zero and the energy system transition

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.

Wales & West Utilities (WWU) is undertaking a major programme of change to support decarbonisation and deliver a Net Zero gas network. This project explores the potential conversion of LPG networks within WWU to biomethane as a pathway to decarbonisation. The initiative is driven by the challenge of replacing LPG in rural off-grid communities where previous alternatives—such as hydrogen blending or full electrification—face significant technical storage and infrastructure constraints.

This project will deliver independent evidence‑based research on consumer behavioural insights relating to domestic heat sources during the energy system transition. It comprises four work packages (WP0–WP4) that build on one another to create tangible outputs for WWU and other Network Licensees: desk research and gap analysis (WP1) SME engagement and sentiment analysis (WP2) consumer research including a 4000‑respondent survey user‑journey mapping and CIVS insights (WP3) and integration of insights through decision trees synthetic population modelling and cost‑benefit analysis (WP4).

Cadent have been working with The Green Gas Taskforce to commission a series of reports that examine the benefits of greater biomethane generation to Great Britain’s energy system as well as the economic benefits that such volumes of green gas could provide. Work conducted by Alder BioInsights in their “Green Gas Future” report concluded that biomethane volumes of 120 TWh are possible in the UK by 2050 based on technical potential of UK feedstocks.

This project seeks to explore the operational emissions market and developmental implications of meeting the potential volumes published by Alder BioInsights (120 TWh pa by 2050) as well as the implications of meeting the NESO FES 25 Holistic Transition scenario relating to the production of biomethane in the UK (36 TWh per annum by 2035 and 64 TWh per annum by 2050).

The conclusions of this project will be published in a public report entitled “Delivering Green Gas” that:

• Outlines the viability benefits and key questions behind the integration of the UK’s agricultural supply chain AD industry and gas distribution networks.
• Highlights where they may be trade-offs or unintended consequences introduced by scaling feedstock production for biomethane and if there are ways that these can be addressed to mitigate the impact.
• Defines concrete actions that need to be taken in the agricultural sector by agricultural policy makers and others to unlock the feedstock volumes set out in the Alder BioInsights work and the NESO scenarios where this is appropriate and doesn’t introduce undesirable consequences.
• Sets out the broader economic and environmental benefits that could be provided in delivering these volumes of biomethane beyond the energy sector and particularly to the UK’s agricultural sector.

The MASiP Phase 3 is developing a new pipeline system to serve as an alternative to conventional steel pipelines in the transmission network. The material used in this pipeline will render it capable of transporting natural gas biogas and up to 100% hydrogen. Building on Phases 1 and 2 this phase focuses on the technical assessment of tight radius bends tees and damage repair as well as the integration of live monitoring systems in a prototype operational environment.

Comprehensive validation will include connectors coatings repair systems hot-tapping solutions ground movement tolerance durability and design life testing. All testing will be carried out in accordance with IGEM API and ASME standards.

The key deliverable is a validated deployable hydrogen-ready pipeline system that is safe compliant and cost-effective offering potential cost savings of up to 50% compared with steel. The project outcomes will support the UK’s RIIO-GD2 strategy and 2050 net-zero targets by enabling hydrogen-ready infrastructure improving monitoring installation efficiency and long-term reliability while also providing the evidence base required for regulatory policy and industry acceptance of alternative pipeline materials.

The UK and Irish 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 gas billing infrastructure based on flow-weighted average calorific value (CV) measurements taken at National Transmission System (NTS) offtakes to accurately reflect the gas composition received by consumers—particularly with the increasing number of decentralised injection points. This discrepancy presents a technical and regulatory hurdle to achieving fair and transparent billing.

This programme is leveraging 3 suppliers to develop a range of novel calorific value sensors that will enable calorific value to be accurately measured at different points on the network without the need for venting.

The programme comprises of 3 individual projects which will develop each suppliers’ technology up to a sufficiently high TRL where the sensors are ready to be trialled in the field. Each supplier will be delivering their own scope of work but will be expected to share a reasonable amount of information with each other in order to ensure maximum value is obtained from this programme. The innovators will not be expected to disclose any information that could provide them with a competitive advantage over the other solutions

Based on previous work ROSEN Engineers believe the quantity of natural gas vented during commissioning operations can safely be reduced by up to 80% through targeted changes to direct purging procedures.

For Gas Distribution Networks’ (GDNs) gas venting remains a necessary part of normal operations for maintenance or safety purposes. Previous research work undertaken by ROSEN(UK) Limited for the EIC with project partners Northern Gas Networks (NGN) and Wales and West Utilities (WWU) identified activities where venting of natural gas to atmosphere occurs (Gas Venting Research Project NIA reference number NIA_NGN_282)

This project evaluates the rapidly developing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) sector and assesses the technical commercial regulatory and safety feasibility of repurposing existing gas pipelines to transport liquid aviation fuels. The uptake of SAF is critical to decarbonising the UK aviation industry and achieving net zero targets. To support the scale-up of SAF production and use the development of reliable affordable and low-carbon infrastructure is essential. Pipelines offer a cost-effective environmentally sustainable and high-capacity transport solution. The study aims to enable scalable SAF infrastructure while providing a productive long-term use for gas assets that are unlikely to be required for refurbishment or alternative repurposing.

The initial Hydrogen in MOBs project established the foundational evidence for hydrogen conversion and this follow-on project will address remaining evidence gaps identified by the CFA finalising the safety and regulatory case for MOB hydrogen conversion and enabling a clear handover of outputs to industry. This work also doubles up as an assessment of options we have today to deliver practical and safe designs introducing a new range of risk mitigation options which could be more cost effective and efficient way of managing MOBs and pipe assets. As a practical assessment of technical requirements for conversion this closes out CFA recommendations through applied testing to solve engineering and safety challenges but also informs current processes.

Key deliverables include validated technical data an updated Quantified Risk Assessment (QRA) for MOBs an updated management procedure and a revised IGEM/G/5 Hydrogen Supplement to be formally handed over to IGEM for review. Together these outputs will close out the regulatory and procedural workstream associated with hydrogen in MOBs research.

The project’s findings will also directly support the development of a decision-making framework to support refurbishment and riser replacement programmes. This will enable the industry to make consistent evidence-based decisions on the most appropriate options for MOBs including where alternatives to hydrogen may be more suitable.

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.