Net zero and the energy system transition
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.
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.
Stopple-Live trial (Phase 2)
The Stopple technology is a flow stop tool essential for major projects and emergency works across the LTS and NTS gas network. Its capability was tested in 100% hydrogen within a helinite environment in line with LTS Futures parameters as phase 1. This project focuses on validating flow-stopping technology as an additional deliverable with LTS Futures live hydrogen trial on the Granton to Grangemouth pipeline as a welded tee and hot-tapping operations is already being carried out. The trial will confirm the Stopple train’s effectiveness as a double-block and bleed solution for a 100% hydrogen system which will be available for the UK Gas Network. The findings will provide critical insights into the safe and efficient operation of the hydrogen networks supporting the transition from natural gas to hydrogen.
EPRG - European Pipeline Research Group 26.27
The European Pipeline Research Group (EPRG) undertakes a wide range of research directed towards the increasing integrity and safety of gas pipelines. Topics such as fit for purpose assessments pipeline rehabilitation & repair techniques and corrosion constitute the major areas of concern for existing pipelines. EPRG projects heavily focus on design and construction of new pipelines through researching materials that allow for increased operational pressures and reduced pipeline thickness while maintaining safety. EPRG are involved with defect assessment and fracture management where the create guidelines to assess the severity and risk of detected defects in pressurised gas pipelines. Conducting full scale material tests to understand crack propagation under cycling loading or harsh environments forms the basis for fracture and fatigue studies. Collaboration on international research programmes through industry bodies such as EPRG is essential to ensure we benefit from leveraged research. Continued participation in EPRG allows National Gas Transmission and Cadent Gas to develop a breadth and depth of knowledge that can only be realised through leveraged research programmes providing maximum cost effectiveness to the customer.
Hydrogen Blending: Direct Injection Feasibility Study
This project has been initiated to assess the technical and commercial feasibility of direct hydrogen injection into the gas distribution network at 5% and 20% by volume. It supports the broader Market Frameworks appraisal by providing the evidence needed to evaluate whether both System Entry Models direct injection and pre-blending are feasible under varying network conditions.
The need for this study was identified through the Hydrogen Blending Implementation Plan which outlined two technical approaches for hydrogen connections: injecting hydrogen directly into the network or pre-blending it before entry each with distinct technical and commercial implications. While National Gas has assessed both models for the transmission network a gap analysis revealed that these findings are not directly transferable to the distribution network.
Evidence for pre-blending was previously completed as part of HyDeploy and the Hydrogen Blending Functional Specification project. It was shown that this approach provides more controlled mixing but may require more complex infrastructure leading to higher costs for the producer. Although it is assumed Direct Injection may be achievable at lower cost there are multiple key technical challenges associated with the technique such as the potential for inadequate hydrogen mixing which could result in non-compliant gas safety concerns including material integrity and operational constraints e.g. GSMR exclusion zones.
Through literature review CFD modelling engineering assessments and commercial analysis the study will evaluate the technical and safety performance risks and cost implications of direct injection across a range of scenarios and configurations.
Net Zero Multi-Vector Assessment
This project will help Cadent to understand considerations for a Net Zero Multi-Vector at a town scale to inform future activity on preparation for repurposing. An area will be chosen which is representative of different networks housing stock and demographics which will require different approaches and engagement.
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.
Asset Records Readiness for Hydrogen
The project will evaluate and deliver a plan that ensures our asset records are suitably complete to support the net zero transition.
The project will reduce uncertainty and risk and provide a more realistic proximation of asset data.
The HSE has indicated that it will be unable to support a network’s hydrogen safety case until they receive “a clear plan for checking unknown assets and how networks will ensure that only suitable materials are present in the network”. This includes our transmission pipelines.
Additionally for the marginal extra effort it would be prudent to ensure the completeness of our asset records is sufficient for us to either plan for the conversion to hydrogen or decommission sections as users switch to other heating technologies.
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.
Biomethane HP storage injection
To investigate the potential to use high pressure storage assets to directly inject biomethane.