The UK National Gas Grid is undergoing substantial changes to support hydrogen integration as part of the nation’s broader efforts to decarbonise energy systems.
This transition involves blending hydrogen with natural gas and eventually enabling its widespread use in domestic and industrial applications. To achieve this, the network, regulatory frameworks, and end-user equipment must undergo significant modifications.
Current Capability and Hydrogen Blending
At present, the National Gas Grid can handle hydrogen concentrations of up to 0.1% by volume, as stipulated by current regulations. However, the UK government is considering increasing this to 20% to help reduce carbon emissions and support the development of a hydrogen market. Achieving this would require amending the Gas Safety (Management) Regulations 1996. Blending hydrogen at 20% could deliver carbon savings of 6-7% without necessitating immediate changes to most domestic and industrial appliances.
The National Transmission System (NTS) is already conducting tests on its hydrogen handling capacity through initiatives like FutureGrid. This project simulates the effects of different hydrogen concentrations, up to 100%, on the existing infrastructure, providing valuable insights for future upgrades.
Infrastructure and Equipment Modifications
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Gas Grid Infrastructure:
Existing pipelines, compressors, and metering stations need retrofitting to prevent hydrogen embrittlement and leakage. The use of advanced materials and specialised coatings is being investigated to address these challenges.
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Domestic Equipment:
Appliances such as boilers, cookers, and water heaters may need to be adapted or replaced to safely operate with higher hydrogen blends or pure hydrogen. Hydrogen-ready appliances are already in development and are expected to become widely available within the next decade.
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Industrial Applications:
Industries reliant on high-temperature processes, such as steelmaking and cement production, will need to modify or replace burners, furnaces, and associated systems to accommodate hydrogen blends or pure hydrogen.
Hydrogen Supply and Infrastructure Development
Green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy sources like wind and solar, is central to this transformation. Several projects aim to expand its supply and facilitate its injection into the gas network. For example, Centrica, in partnership with National Grid, is developing protocols for injecting green hydrogen into the NTS. These efforts include establishing streamlined connection processes for hydrogen producers and creating economic incentives to support this new market.
Planned Growth: 2030, 2035, and 2050
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By 2030:
Hydrogen blending of up to 20% may become standard across the network. Hydrogen-ready appliances are anticipated to be commonplace, while regional hydrogen production hubs, such as those in Scotland and northern England, will be operational.
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By 2035:
Portions of the grid could transition to carrying higher hydrogen concentrations, with some regions potentially adopting 100% hydrogen networks. The industrial sector will likely see greater uptake of hydrogen technologies.
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By 2050:
A fully decarbonised gas grid is envisioned, with 100% hydrogen in widespread use to help achieve the UK’s net-zero targets. Comprehensive hydrogen infrastructure, including dedicated pipelines and storage facilities, will underpin a robust national hydrogen economy.
Several projects and companies are currently working to integrate green and blue hydrogen into the UK’s gas network, aligning with the nation’s hydrogen strategy and ambitions for decarbonisation.
Green Hydrogen Projects:
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Whitelee Green Hydrogen:
This project, led by Scottish Power, plans to use the UK’s largest onshore wind farm (Whitelee Windfarm) to produce and store green hydrogen. With a 539 MW capacity, it aims to provide zero-carbon fuel for local transport providers.
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Gordonbush Wind Farm (SSE):
SSE has also proposed producing green hydrogen at its Gordonbush wind farm in Scotland. The project could produce around 1,600 tonnes of hydrogen annually by installing electrolyzers that will use excess renewable energy.
Blue Hydrogen Projects:
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BP H2Teesside:
BP plans to produce up to 708 MW of blue hydrogen in Teesside, using carbon capture and storage (CCS) to significantly reduce emissions.
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HyNet Hydrogen:
Led by Cadent and other partners, this project is focused on developing an onshore hydrogen pipeline to transport blue hydrogen, produced via CCUS, to industries across northwest England.
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Essar Energy (HyNet):
Essar is working on a 350 MW CCUS-enabled blue hydrogen facility in the HyNet cluster, which aims to deliver hydrogen for various industrial uses.
Infrastructure Developments:
Several projects are repurposing existing infrastructure or building new hydrogen pipelines to facilitate hydrogen delivery:
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Project Union (National Gas Transmission):
A proposal to convert around 25% of the UK’s natural gas transmission pipeline to hydrogen, creating a “hydrogen backbone”.
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East Coast Hydrogen:
This project, involving National Grid, aims to connect hydrogen producers to end-users in northeast England.
Hydrogen Storage:
The UK is also focusing on building hydrogen storage capacity. For instance:
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Inovyn’s Keuper Gas Storage:
Inovyn’s Keuper Gas Storage in Cheshire will repurpose salt caverns for hydrogen storage. -
Centrica’s Rough Gas Storage:
Centrica’s Rough Gas Storage is being converted to store up to 10 TWh of hydrogen.
These projects are part of the UK’s broader efforts to decarbonise its energy and industrial sectors. The government has set a target for net zero emissions by 2050, with significant milestones such as reducing emissions by 78% by 2035. With the rising importance of hydrogen, the government is expected to provide continued investment and policy support to drive these projects forward.
Challenges and Opportunities
While integrating hydrogen offers significant potential to decarbonise energy, it poses challenges, including high infrastructure upgrade costs, the need for public acceptance, and ensuring sufficient hydrogen production. However, with ongoing innovation, regulatory support, and investment, the UK is well-positioned to establish hydrogen as a cornerstone of its energy transition.
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