Net zero and the energy system transition
Rising Pressure Reformer Study
This project will assess the application of Rising Pressure Reformer (RiPR) technology to produce a tuneable blend of biogenic methane and hydrogen supporting the decarbonisation of gas networks. The project will focus on the how control of the gas produced would fit with requirements for network injection and assessing locations for connection.
Energy Plan Translator
Develop a flexible and adaptable toolset for the rapid analysis of Local Area Energy Plans (LAEPs). This will convert qualitative statements to quantified metrics and identify key network specific planning parameters.
PE Service Pipe Disconnection
The PE Service Pipe disconnection development project aims to produce a product and technique which can safely successfully and efficiently disconnect PE Service Pipes from an external Emergency Control Valve (ECV) following meter removal. This solution aims to prevent the inconvenience risks and additional costs associated with traditional excavation methods.
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.
GGT- Novel Green Gases
Novel green molecules have the potential to make a significant contribution to the decarbonisation of the UK’s gas network while also reducing system costs. Synthetic and e-methane can play a significant role in meeting future industrial demand as well as decarbonising the power transport and domestic heat sectors. This project investigates novel green gases in more depth to understand how they can be implemented effectively and quickly deployed to decarbonise the gas sector in the UK.
Girth Weld Inspection of Steel Pipelines for Repurposing to Hydrogen Service
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 in-line inspection methods do not routinely inspect girth welds for defects. This project aims to test the available technology for its capability to detect defects and cracks in girth welds. This will provide valuable data for engineering critical assessments required to repurpose natural gas pipelines. It will also inform about the state of art inspection techniques and whether they can be used as a tool for repurposing pipelines.
Co2 Capture and Methanation Feasibility Study
The project focuses on exploring practical and innovative pathways for CO₂ utilisation with the goal of supporting scalable and cost-effective carbon management solutions. It examines a range of technologies market mechanisms and regional integration opportunities to better understand how captured CO₂ can be effectively reused. A key emphasis is placed on evaluating the economic feasibility of utilisation particularly through methanation including the potential commercial value of CO₂ and e-methane. The study combines technical and economic analysis with a case study of a methanation plant while also assessing local CO₂ markets and potential sales opportunities. The project also addresses key risks such as technology uncertainty hydrogen pricing and market volatility. Overall it aims to de-risk investment and stimulate the development of the CO₂ utilisation market from the AD sector.
This study assesses the available pathways to recover and monetise the biogenic CO₂ stream produced during biogas upgrading at UK anaerobic digestion (AD) plants with a particular focus on using it to produce synthetic natural gas (SNG). The study begins with extensive stakeholder and technology vendor engagement to identify suitable CO₂ sources potential utilisation pathways market opportunities and technology options.
A central element of the study is the development of a detailed methanation case study based on the capture of approximately 500 Nm³/h of biogenic CO₂ and the conversion of this CO₂ into e-methane using low-carbon hydrogen. Feasibility-level engineering will be completed for both the carbon capture and methanation facilities including process modelling mass and energy balances block flow diagrams preliminary process flow diagrams equipment sizing site layouts and Class 5 capital cost estimates supported by vendor data. These engineering outputs will underpin a detailed economic assessment examining the impact of key variables such as hydrogen cost electricity prices CO₂ value carbon credits and certificate revenues on the levelized cost of e-methane production. The study also includes a local CO₂ market assessment a review of by-product utilisation opportunities such as reaction water and waste heat recovery and the development of a roadmap outlining the steps.