f Development of a Method for Assessing Material Compatibility and Component Functionality for 0-7 barg Gas Distribution Assets in Hydrogen Service: Summary Report (WP5, D8)

Concerns relating to the production of carbon dioxide (CO2) and its effects on global background temperatures have led to international efforts to reduce CO2 emissions. A contributor to CO2 emissions is the burning of natural gas in domestic and commercial fuel supplies. The H21 project endeavours to explore the use of hydrogen gas as an alternative to natural gas.
As part of the work associated with delivering H21’s 100% hydrogen gas network, a requirement was identified to develop a method of assessing the suitability of gas distribution network assets (e.g., pipes, valves, regulators) for use with hydrogen up to 7 barg. This project has developed such a methodology and this report summarises the work conducted and signposts the main deliverables.
The methodology developed for hydrogen suitability is based on a component-level analysis, components being the individual items that make up an asset. The methodology structure is shown below, where first, the risk of the asset failing when operating on natural gas is determined. Next, the asset is broken down to the component level and the individual risk of the components failing when operating on 100% hydrogen is determined. If the combination of these two risks is greater than is considered acceptable by the methodology, the asset is considered not suitable for use with hydrogen without further mitigation.
The methodology is supported by the following key inputs delivered through the project:
♦ A list of assets on the gas distrbution network.
♦ A database of materials with their suitabiltiy for use with hydrogen quantified.
The method has been demonstrated on eight case studies and the next step will be for the project stakeholders to apply it to the population of network assets, the results of which will gauge the networks readiness for hydrogen.
This report was submitted to HSE for their assessment of the safety evidence for 100% hydrogen heating, which can be found at Hydrogen heating: HSE assessment of the safety evidence - GOV.UK.
Queries should be directed to DESNZ: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/contact-desnz.