Net zero and the energy system transition
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.