FutureGrid: UK's National Gas Network Ready for 100% Hydrogen Blends
Key Ideas
- Trial study by National Gas in the UK shows the national gas network can handle hydrogen blends up to 100% effectively.
- Testing at the FutureGrid facility in Cumbria as part of the HyNTS program found no major differences in asset interaction with hydrogen.
- Phase two of the project will focus on understanding the operation of a hydrogen NTS and adapting existing assets for hydrogen transportation.
- National Gas plans to introduce 2% blended hydrogen onto the NTS by 2025, with future plans for 20% blend to support the UK's hydrogen backbone under Project Union.
A recent trial study conducted by National Gas in the UK revealed that the national gas network is well-equipped to handle hydrogen blends up to 100%. The testing, conducted at the FutureGrid facility in Cumbria as part of the HyNTS program, included blends of hydrogen at 2%, 5%, 20%, and 100%. The study found no significant differences in how assets interacted with hydrogen compared to natural gas and reported that leaks occurred only with natural gas. The successful results have paved the way for the project to move into its second phase, focusing on the operation of a hydrogen National Transmission System (NTS). National Gas aims to introduce 2% blended hydrogen by 2025 and later a 20% blend to support the UK's hydrogen backbone initiative, Project Union. The project aligns with the government's goal of achieving Net Zero emissions and transitioning to green hydrogen. Despite delays in a hydrogen-heating town pilot project, the report underlines the importance of developing a hydrogen network to meet the country's clean energy goals. The positive findings from the study have positioned National Gas as a key player in advancing hydrogen production across the UK and contributing to the Net Zero agenda.