Projects & Initiatives
HyDeploy Project - Second Project Progress Report
Dec 2018
Publication
The HyDeploy project seeks to address a key issue for UK customers: how to reduce the carbon they emit in heating their homes. The UK has a world class gas grid delivering heat conveniently and safely to over 83% of homes. Emissions can be reduced by lowering the carbon content of gas through blending with hydrogen. This delivers carbon savings without customers requiring disruptive and expensive changes in their homes. It also provides the platform for deeper carbon savings by enabling wider adoption of hydrogen across the energy system.
This Network Innovation Competition (NIC) funded project seeks to establish the level of hydrogen that can be safely blended with natural gas for transport and use in a UK network. Under its smart energy network innovation demonstration programme Keele University is establishing its electricity and gas networks as facilities to drive forward innovation in the energy sector. The objective of HyDeploy is to trial natural gas blended with 20%mol of hydrogen in a part of the Keele gas network. Before any hydrogen can be blended with natural gas in the network the percentage of hydrogen to be delivered must be approved by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). It must be satisfied that the approved blended gas will be as safe to use as normal gas. Such approval is provided as an Exemption to the Gas Safety (Management) Regulations. These regulations ensure the safe use and management of gas through the gas network in the UK. Following such approval hydrogen production and grid injection units are to be installed and an extensive trial programme undertaken. Blending hydrogen at 20%mol with natural gas across the UK would save around 6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year the equivalent of removing 2.5 million cars from the road.
This report and any attachment is freely available on the ENA Smarter Networks Portal here. IGEM Members can download the report and any attachment directly by clicking on the pdf icon above.
This Network Innovation Competition (NIC) funded project seeks to establish the level of hydrogen that can be safely blended with natural gas for transport and use in a UK network. Under its smart energy network innovation demonstration programme Keele University is establishing its electricity and gas networks as facilities to drive forward innovation in the energy sector. The objective of HyDeploy is to trial natural gas blended with 20%mol of hydrogen in a part of the Keele gas network. Before any hydrogen can be blended with natural gas in the network the percentage of hydrogen to be delivered must be approved by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). It must be satisfied that the approved blended gas will be as safe to use as normal gas. Such approval is provided as an Exemption to the Gas Safety (Management) Regulations. These regulations ensure the safe use and management of gas through the gas network in the UK. Following such approval hydrogen production and grid injection units are to be installed and an extensive trial programme undertaken. Blending hydrogen at 20%mol with natural gas across the UK would save around 6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year the equivalent of removing 2.5 million cars from the road.
This report and any attachment is freely available on the ENA Smarter Networks Portal here. IGEM Members can download the report and any attachment directly by clicking on the pdf icon above.
HyDeploy: The UK’s First Hydrogen Blending Deployment Project
Mar 2019
Publication
The HyDeploy project is the UK’s first practical project to demonstrate that hydrogen can be safely blended into the natural-gas distribution system without requiring changes to appliances and the associated disruption. The project is funded under Ofgem’s Network Innovation Competition and is a collaboration between Cadent Gas Northern Gas Networks Progressive Energy Ltd Keele University (Keele) Health & Safety Laboratory and ITM Power. Cadent and Northern Gas Networks are the Gas Distribution Network sponsors of the project. Keele University is the host site providing the gas-distribution network which will receive the hydrogen blend. Keele University is the largest campus university in the UK. Health & Safety Laboratory provides the scientific laboratories and experimental expertise. ITM Power provides the electrolyser that produces the hydrogen. Progressive Energy Ltd is the project developer and project manager. HyDeploy is structured into three distinct phases. The first is an extensive technical programme to establish the necessary detailed evidence base in support of an application to the Health & Safety Executive for Exemption to Schedule 3 of the Gas Safety (Management) Regulations (GS(M)R) to permit the injection of hydrogen at 20 mol%. This is required to allow hydrogen to be blended into a natural-gas supply above the current British limit of 0.1 mol%.
The second phase comprises the construction of the electrolyser and grid entry unit along with the necessary piping and valves to allow hydrogen to be mixed and injected into the Keele University gas-distribution network and to ensure all necessary training of operatives is conducted before injection. The third phase is the trial itself which is due to start in the summer of 2019 and last around 10 months. The trial phase also provides an opportunity to undertake further experimental activities related to the operational network to support the pathway to full deployment of blended gas. The outcome of HyDeploy is principally developing the initial evidence base that hydrogen can be blended into a UK operational natural-gas network without disruption to customers and without prejudicing the safety of end users. If deployed at scale hydrogen blending at 20 mol% would unlock 29 TWh pa of decarbonized heat and provide a route map for deeper savings. The equivalent carbon savings of a national roll-out of a 20-mol% hydrogen blend would be to remove 2.5 million cars from the road.
HyDeploy is a seminal UK project for the decarbonization of the gas grid via hydrogen deployment and will provide the first stepping stone for setting technical operational and regulatory precedents of the hydrogen vector.
The second phase comprises the construction of the electrolyser and grid entry unit along with the necessary piping and valves to allow hydrogen to be mixed and injected into the Keele University gas-distribution network and to ensure all necessary training of operatives is conducted before injection. The third phase is the trial itself which is due to start in the summer of 2019 and last around 10 months. The trial phase also provides an opportunity to undertake further experimental activities related to the operational network to support the pathway to full deployment of blended gas. The outcome of HyDeploy is principally developing the initial evidence base that hydrogen can be blended into a UK operational natural-gas network without disruption to customers and without prejudicing the safety of end users. If deployed at scale hydrogen blending at 20 mol% would unlock 29 TWh pa of decarbonized heat and provide a route map for deeper savings. The equivalent carbon savings of a national roll-out of a 20-mol% hydrogen blend would be to remove 2.5 million cars from the road.
HyDeploy is a seminal UK project for the decarbonization of the gas grid via hydrogen deployment and will provide the first stepping stone for setting technical operational and regulatory precedents of the hydrogen vector.
SGN Aberdeen Vision Project: Final Report
May 2020
Publication
The Aberdeen Vision Project could deliver CO2 savings of 1.5MtCO2/y compared with natural gas. A dedicated pipeline from St Fergus to Aberdeen would enable the phased transfer of the Aberdeen regional gas distribution system to 20% then 100% hydrogen.
The study has demonstrated that 2% hydrogen can be injected into the National Transmission System (NTS) at St Fergus and its distribution through the system into the gas distribution network. Due to unique regional attributes the Aberdeen region could lead the UK in the conversion to largescale clean hydrogen. A 200MW hydrogen generation plant is planned to suit 2% blend into the NTS followed by a build out to supply the Aberdeen gas networks and to enable low cost hydrogen transport applications.
This report and any attachment is freely available on the ENA Smarter Networks Portal here. IGEM Members can download the report and any attachment directly by clicking on the pdf icon above.
The study has demonstrated that 2% hydrogen can be injected into the National Transmission System (NTS) at St Fergus and its distribution through the system into the gas distribution network. Due to unique regional attributes the Aberdeen region could lead the UK in the conversion to largescale clean hydrogen. A 200MW hydrogen generation plant is planned to suit 2% blend into the NTS followed by a build out to supply the Aberdeen gas networks and to enable low cost hydrogen transport applications.
This report and any attachment is freely available on the ENA Smarter Networks Portal here. IGEM Members can download the report and any attachment directly by clicking on the pdf icon above.
Achievements of The EC Network of Excellence Hysafe
Sep 2009
Publication
In many areas European research has been largely fragmented. To support the required integration and to focus and coordinate related research efforts the European Commission created a new instrument the Networks of Excellences (NoEs). The goal of the NoE HySafe has been to provide the basis to facilitate the safe introduction of hydrogen as an energy carrier by removing the safety related obstacles. The prioritisation of the HySafe internal project activities was based on a phenomena identification and ranking exercise (PIRT) and expert interviews. The identified research headlines were “Releases in (partially) confined areas” “Mitigation” and “Quantitative Risk Assessment”. Along these headlines existing or planned research work was re-orientated and slightly modified to build up three large internal research projects “InsHyde” “HyTunnel” and “HyQRA”. In InsHyde realistic indoor hydrogen leaks and associated hazards have been investigated to provide recommendations for the safe use of indoor hydrogen systems including mitigation and detection means. The appropriateness of available regulations codes and standards (RCS) has been assessed. Experimental and numerical work was conducted to benchmark simulation tools and to evaluate the related recommendations. HyTunnel contributed to the understanding of the nature of the hazards posed by hydrogen vehicles inside tunnels and its relative severity compared to other fuels. In HyQRA quantitative risk assessment strategies were applied to relevant scenarios in a hydrogen refuelling station and the performance was compared to derive also recommendations. The integration provided by the network is manifested by a series of workshops and benchmarks related to experimental and numerical work. Besides the network generated the following products: the International Conference on Hydrogen Safety the first academic education related to hydrogen safety and the Safety Handbook. Finally the network initiated the founding of the International Association for Hydrogen Safety which will open up the future networking to all interested parties on an international level. The indicated results of this five years integration activity will be described in short.
HyDeploy Webinar - Unlocking the Deployment of Hydrogen in the Grid
May 2020
Publication
A project overview of HyDeploy project led by Cadent Gas and supported by Northern Gas Networks Progressive Energy Ltd Keele University HSE – Science Division and ITM Power.
First Phase:
HyDeploy at Keele is the first stage of this three stage programme. In November 2019 the UK Health & Safety Executive gave permission to run a live test of blended hydrogen and natural gas on part of the private gas network at Keele University campus in Staffordshire. HyDeploy is the first project in the UK to inject hydrogen into a natural gas network.
Second and Third Phases;
Once the Keele stage has been completed HyDeploy will move to a larger demonstration on a public network in the North East. After that HyDeploy will have another large demonstration in the North West. These are designed to test the blend across a range of networks and customers so that the evidence is representative of the UK as a whole. With HSE approval and success at Keele these phases will go ahead in the early 2020s.
The longer term goal:
Once the evidence has been submitted to Government policy makers we very much expect hydrogen to take its place alongside other forms of zero carbon energy in meeting the needs of the UK population.
First Phase:
HyDeploy at Keele is the first stage of this three stage programme. In November 2019 the UK Health & Safety Executive gave permission to run a live test of blended hydrogen and natural gas on part of the private gas network at Keele University campus in Staffordshire. HyDeploy is the first project in the UK to inject hydrogen into a natural gas network.
Second and Third Phases;
Once the Keele stage has been completed HyDeploy will move to a larger demonstration on a public network in the North East. After that HyDeploy will have another large demonstration in the North West. These are designed to test the blend across a range of networks and customers so that the evidence is representative of the UK as a whole. With HSE approval and success at Keele these phases will go ahead in the early 2020s.
The longer term goal:
Once the evidence has been submitted to Government policy makers we very much expect hydrogen to take its place alongside other forms of zero carbon energy in meeting the needs of the UK population.
HyDeploy Webinar - Public Perceptions
May 2020
Publication
HyDeploy is a pioneering hydrogen energy project designed to help reduce UK CO2 emissions and reach the Government’s net zero target for 2050.
As the first ever live demonstration of hydrogen in homes HyDeploy aims to prove that blending up to 20% volume of hydrogen with natural gas is a safe and greener alternative to the gas we use now. It is providing evidence on how customers don’t have to change their cooking or heating appliances to take the blend which means less disruption and cost for them. It is also confirming initial findings that customers don’t notice any difference when using the hydrogen blend.
As the first ever live demonstration of hydrogen in homes HyDeploy aims to prove that blending up to 20% volume of hydrogen with natural gas is a safe and greener alternative to the gas we use now. It is providing evidence on how customers don’t have to change their cooking or heating appliances to take the blend which means less disruption and cost for them. It is also confirming initial findings that customers don’t notice any difference when using the hydrogen blend.
H2FC SUPERGEN: An Overview of the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Research Across the UK
Mar 2015
Publication
The United Kingdom has a vast scientific base across the entire Hydrogen and Fuel Cell research landscape with a world class academic community coupled with significant industrial activity from both UK-based Hydrogen and Fuel Cell companies and global companies with a strong presence within the country. The Hydrogen and Fuel Cell (H2FC) SUPERGEN Hub funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) was established in 2012 as a five-year programme to bring the UK's H2FC research community together. Here we present the UK's current Hydrogen and Fuel Cell activities along with the role of the H2FC SUPERGEN Hub.
HyDeploy Project - First Project Progress Report
Dec 2017
Publication
The HyDeploy Project seeks to address a key issue for UK customers: how to reduce the carbon they emit in heating their homes. The UK has a world class gas grid delivering heat conveniently and safely to over 83% of homes. Emissions could be reduced by lowering the carbon content of gas through blending with hydrogen. Compared with solutions such as heat pumps this means that customers would not need disruptive and expensive changes in their homes. This Network Innovation Competition (NIC) funded project seeks to establish the level of hydrogen that can be safely blended with natural gas for transport and use in a UK network.
Under its Smart Energy Network Demonstration innovation programme Keele University is establishing its electricity and gas networks as facilities to drive forward innovation in the energy sector. The objective of HyDeploy is to trial natural gas blended with potentially up to 20% volume of hydrogen in a part of the Keele gas network. Before any hydrogen can be blended with natural gas in the network the percentage of hydrogen to be delivered must be approved by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). It must be satisfied that the approved blended gas will be as safe to use as normal gas. Any approval will be given as an exemption to the Gas Safety (Management) Regulations. These regulations ensure the safe use and management of gas through the gas network in the UK. The evidence presented to the HSE comprises critically appraised literature combined with the results from a specifically commissioned experimental and testing programme. Based on engagement with all local customers this includes detailed safety checks on the network appliances and installations at Keele. Subject to approval by the HSE the hydrogen production and grid injection units will be installed and an extensive trial programme of blending will be undertaken. If hydrogen were blended at 20% volume with natural gas across the UK it would save around 6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year the equivalent of taking 2.5 million cars off the road.
This report and any attachment is freely available on the ENA Smarter Networks Portal here. IGEM Members can download the report and any attachment directly by clicking on the pdf icon above.
Under its Smart Energy Network Demonstration innovation programme Keele University is establishing its electricity and gas networks as facilities to drive forward innovation in the energy sector. The objective of HyDeploy is to trial natural gas blended with potentially up to 20% volume of hydrogen in a part of the Keele gas network. Before any hydrogen can be blended with natural gas in the network the percentage of hydrogen to be delivered must be approved by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). It must be satisfied that the approved blended gas will be as safe to use as normal gas. Any approval will be given as an exemption to the Gas Safety (Management) Regulations. These regulations ensure the safe use and management of gas through the gas network in the UK. The evidence presented to the HSE comprises critically appraised literature combined with the results from a specifically commissioned experimental and testing programme. Based on engagement with all local customers this includes detailed safety checks on the network appliances and installations at Keele. Subject to approval by the HSE the hydrogen production and grid injection units will be installed and an extensive trial programme of blending will be undertaken. If hydrogen were blended at 20% volume with natural gas across the UK it would save around 6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year the equivalent of taking 2.5 million cars off the road.
This report and any attachment is freely available on the ENA Smarter Networks Portal here. IGEM Members can download the report and any attachment directly by clicking on the pdf icon above.
H21- Science and Research Centre - HSE Buxton Launch Video
Aug 2019
Publication
The site at the Health and Safety Executive’s Science and Research Centre in Buxton will carry out controlled tests to establish the critical safety evidence proving that a 100% hydrogen gas network is equally as safe as the natural gas grid heating our homes and businesses today. The results will be critical in determining if it is safe to convert millions of homes across the country from natural gas to hydrogen. H21 which is led by Northern Gas Networks (NGN) the gas distributor for the North of England in partnership with Cadent SGN and Wales & West Utilities HSE Science and Research Centre and DNV-GL is part of a number of gas industry projects designed to support conversion of the UK gas networks to carry 100% hydrogen. Currently about 30% of UK carbon emissions are from the heating of homes businesses and industry. H21 states that a large-scale conversion of the gas grid from natural gas to hydrogen is vital to meeting the Government’s Net Zero targets.
Project Cavendish - National Grid Gas Transmission
Sep 2020
Publication
The Isle of Grain (IoG) presents a technically feasible commercially viable strategic location to build and operate a hydrogen production facility which would be a key enabler to the UK meeting the Net Zero 2050 target.
As highlighted in the ‘Net Zero – The UK’s contribution to stopping global warming’ report published by The Committee on Climate Change in May 2019 hydrogen is set to have a major part to play in reducing UK carbon dioxide emissions. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is also seen as essential to support those supplies.
The report further recognises that this will involve increased investments and that CCS and hydrogen will require both capital funding and revenue support.
For hydrogen to have a part to play in the decarbonisation of London and the south east of England a large-scale hydrogen production facility will be required which will provide a multi vector solution through the decarbonisation of the gas grid.
This report and any attachment is freely available on the ENA Smarter Networks Portal here. IGEM Members can download the report and any attachment directly by clicking on the pdf icon above.
As highlighted in the ‘Net Zero – The UK’s contribution to stopping global warming’ report published by The Committee on Climate Change in May 2019 hydrogen is set to have a major part to play in reducing UK carbon dioxide emissions. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is also seen as essential to support those supplies.
The report further recognises that this will involve increased investments and that CCS and hydrogen will require both capital funding and revenue support.
For hydrogen to have a part to play in the decarbonisation of London and the south east of England a large-scale hydrogen production facility will be required which will provide a multi vector solution through the decarbonisation of the gas grid.
This report and any attachment is freely available on the ENA Smarter Networks Portal here. IGEM Members can download the report and any attachment directly by clicking on the pdf icon above.
Non-combustion Related Impact of Hydrogen Admixture - Material Compatibility
Jun 2020
Publication
The present document is part of a larger literature survey of this WP aiming to establish the current status of gas utilisation technologies in order to determine the impact of hydrogen (H2) admixture on natural gas (NG) appliances. This part focuses on the non-combustion related aspects of injecting hydrogen in the gas distribution networks within buildings including hydrogen embrittlement of metallic materials chemical compatibility and leakage issues. In the particular conditions of adding natural gas and hydrogen (NG / H2) mixture into a gas distribution network hydrogen is likely to reduce the mechanical properties of metallic components. This is known as hydrogen embrittlement (HE) (Birnbaum 1979). This type of damage takes place once a critical level of stress / strain and hydrogen content coexist in a susceptible microstructure. Currently four mechanisms were identified and will be discussed in detail. The way those mechanisms act independently or together is strongly dependent on the material the hydrogen charging procedure and the mechanical loading type. The main metallic materials used in gas appliances and gas distribution networks are: carbon steels stainless steels copper brass and aluminium alloys (Thibaut 2020). The presented results showed that low alloy steels are the most susceptible materials to hydrogen embrittlement followed by stainless steels aluminium copper and brass alloys. However the relative pressures of the operating conditions of gas distribution network in buildings are low i.e. between 30 to 50 mbar. At those low hydrogen partial pressures it is assumed that a gas mixture composed of NG and up to 50% H2 should not be problematic in terms of HE for any of the metallic materials used in gas distribution network unless high mechanical stress / strain and high stress concentrations are applied. The chemical compatibility of hydrogen with other materials and specifically polyethylene (PE) which is a reference material for the gas industry is also discussed. PE was found to have no corrosion issues and no deterioration or ageing was observed after long term testing in hydrogen gas. The last non-combustion concern related to the introduction of hydrogen in natural gas distribution network is the propensity of hydrogen toward leakage. Indeed the physical properties of hydrogen are different from other gases such as methane or propane and it was observed that hydrogen leaks 2.5 times quicker than methane. This bibliographical report on material deterioration chemical compatibility and leakage concerns coming with the introduction of NG / H2 mixture in the gas distribution network sets the basis for the upcoming experimental work where the tightness of gas distribution network components will be investigated (Task 3.2.3 WP3). In addition tightness of typical components that connect end-user appliances to the local distribution line shall be evaluated as well.
Roadmap to Hydrogen in the NTS - National Grid Gas Transmission
Jan 2020
Publication
DNV GL believes that the National Transmission System (NTS) will be central to the future of decarbonised energy in the UK. The future NTS could transmit natural gas hydrogen blends of the two and carbon dioxide. New pipelines will be built however a large cost-saving is available if the existing NTS assets can also be re-purposed. To move towards this future National Grid Gas Transmission wants to develop a project to trial injection hydrogen into the NTS. This is an opportunity to show that National Grid is part of the solution to achieving Net Zero. The trial will demonstrate to the Government and public that re-purposing the NTS is cost-effective safe and involves minimal disruption.
This report sets out a roadmap of projects to provide the knowledge needed for the trial. The roadmap was developed by assessing the knowledge required and how much of it already existed. The knowledge already available is summarised in this report with references to where further details can be found. Gaps in the knowledge are then described. The roadmap consists of projects to conduct work to close the knowledge gaps. The results are summarised in the figures below and in the box to the right.
This report and any attachment is freely available on the ENA Smarter Networks Portal here. IGEM Members can download the report and any attachment directly by clicking on the pdf icon above.
This report sets out a roadmap of projects to provide the knowledge needed for the trial. The roadmap was developed by assessing the knowledge required and how much of it already existed. The knowledge already available is summarised in this report with references to where further details can be found. Gaps in the knowledge are then described. The roadmap consists of projects to conduct work to close the knowledge gaps. The results are summarised in the figures below and in the box to the right.
This report and any attachment is freely available on the ENA Smarter Networks Portal here. IGEM Members can download the report and any attachment directly by clicking on the pdf icon above.
Hydrogen Deblending in the GB Network - Feasibility Study Report
Nov 2020
Publication
The UK government has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. All future energy modelling identifies a key role for hydrogen (linked to CCUS) in providing decarbonised energy for heat transport industry and power generation. Blending hydrogen into the existing natural gas pipeline network has already been proposed as a means of transporting low carbon energy. However the expectation is that a gas blend with maximum hydrogen content of 20 mol% can be used without impacting consumers’ end use applications. Therefore a transitional solution is needed to achieve a 100% hydrogen future network.
Deblending (i.e. separation of the blended gas stream) is a potential solution to allow the existing gas transmission and distribution network infrastructure to transport energy as a blended gas stream. Deblending can provide either hydrogen natural gas or blended gas for space heating transport industry and power generation applications. If proven technically and economically feasible utilising the existing gas transmission and distribution networks in this manner could avoid the need for investment in separate gas and hydrogen pipeline networks during the transition to a future fully decarbonised gas network.
The Energy Network Association (ENA) “Gas Goes Green” programme identifies deblending could play a critical role in the transition to a decarbonised gas network. Gas separation technologies are well-established and mature and have been used and proven in natural gas processing for decades. However these technologies have not been used for bulk gas transportation in a transmission and distribution network setting. Some emerging hydrogen separation technologies are currently under development. The main hydrogen recovery and purification technologies currently deployed globally are:
This report and any attachment is freely available on the ENA Smarter Networks Portal here. IGEM Members can download the report and any attachment directly by clicking on the pdf icon above.
Deblending (i.e. separation of the blended gas stream) is a potential solution to allow the existing gas transmission and distribution network infrastructure to transport energy as a blended gas stream. Deblending can provide either hydrogen natural gas or blended gas for space heating transport industry and power generation applications. If proven technically and economically feasible utilising the existing gas transmission and distribution networks in this manner could avoid the need for investment in separate gas and hydrogen pipeline networks during the transition to a future fully decarbonised gas network.
The Energy Network Association (ENA) “Gas Goes Green” programme identifies deblending could play a critical role in the transition to a decarbonised gas network. Gas separation technologies are well-established and mature and have been used and proven in natural gas processing for decades. However these technologies have not been used for bulk gas transportation in a transmission and distribution network setting. Some emerging hydrogen separation technologies are currently under development. The main hydrogen recovery and purification technologies currently deployed globally are:
- Cryogenic separation
- Membrane separation
- Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA)
This report and any attachment is freely available on the ENA Smarter Networks Portal here. IGEM Members can download the report and any attachment directly by clicking on the pdf icon above.
Hy4Heat Hydrogen Purity - Work Package 2
Feb 2020
Publication
The report makes a recommendation for a minimum hydrogen purity standard to be used by manufacturers developing prototype hydrogen appliances and during their subsequent demonstration as part of the Hy4Heat programme. It makes a recommendation for a hydrogen purity level with the aim that it is reasonable and practicable and considers implications related to hydrogen production the gas network and cost.
This report and any attachment is freely available on the Hy4Heat website here. The report can also be downloaded directly by clicking on the pdf icon above
This report and any attachment is freely available on the Hy4Heat website here. The report can also be downloaded directly by clicking on the pdf icon above
FutureGrid: Project Progress Report
Dec 2021
Publication
The facility will be built from a range of decommissioned transmission assets to create a representative whole-network which will be used to trial hydrogen and will allow for accurate results to be analysed. Blends of hydrogen up to 100% will then be tested at transmission pressures to assess how the assets perform.<br/>The hydrogen research facility will remain separate from the main National Transmission System allowing for testing to be undertaken in a controlled environment with no risk to the safety and reliability of the existing gas transmission network.<br/>Ofgem’s Network Innovation Competition will provide £9.07m of funding with the remaining amount coming from the project partners.<br/>The aim is to start construction in 2021 with testing beginning in 2022.
Progressing the Gas Goes Green Roadmap to Net Zero Webinar
Dec 2021
Publication
The Gas Goes Green Programme developed by the gas networks and the Energy Networks Association (ENA) describes a viable pathway to the injection of hydrogen and biomethane as a practical step towards the decarbonisation of the UK gas sector and will play a key role in the UK’s Net Zero energy strategy. It therefore follows that technical and management teams in the supply chain and related industries will need a sound understanding of the issues surrounding this deployment. This video shares the industry’s progress towards implementing the Gas Goes Green programme. Presenters including Oliver Lancaster CEO IGEM Dr Thomas Koller Programme Lead Gas Goes Green at the Energy Network Association (ENA) and Ian McCluskey CEng FIMechE FIGEM Head of Technical and Policy IGEM share their views on what has already been achieved and explain what they feel still needs to be done to develop the decarbonised gas network of tomorrow.
Heat Network Detailed Project Development Resource: Guidance on Strategic and Commercial Case
Jul 2016
Publication
This document provides guidance on the commercial and strategic elements of a heat network project to support completion of a project business case.
The guidance is intended for local authorities and heat network developers to support their investigations and enable progression from feasibility stage through to business case delivery. The guidance has been drafted with reference to policy legislation and regulation in England and Wales; however much of the guidance is likely also to be relevant to projects in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The guidance specifically supports the HMT Green Book Five Cases Business Model (the Five Cases Model) and the derived DBEIS Business Case Template (DBEIS BCT) that follows this structure but will also be applicable in other instances. The Five Cases Model (and similarly the DBEIS BCT) considers the viability of the project from five perspectives:
Although all five elements are relevant this guide particularly focuses on the Strategic and Commercial cases.
Related Document Heat Networks 2020
The guidance is intended for local authorities and heat network developers to support their investigations and enable progression from feasibility stage through to business case delivery. The guidance has been drafted with reference to policy legislation and regulation in England and Wales; however much of the guidance is likely also to be relevant to projects in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The guidance specifically supports the HMT Green Book Five Cases Business Model (the Five Cases Model) and the derived DBEIS Business Case Template (DBEIS BCT) that follows this structure but will also be applicable in other instances. The Five Cases Model (and similarly the DBEIS BCT) considers the viability of the project from five perspectives:
- Strategic
- Economic
- Commercial
- Financial
- Management
Although all five elements are relevant this guide particularly focuses on the Strategic and Commercial cases.
Related Document Heat Networks 2020
Flow Loop Test for Hydrogen
Jul 2020
Publication
National Grid (NG) needs to understand the implications that a hydrogen rich gas mix may have on the existing pipeline network. The primary network consists extensively of X52 steel pipe sections welded together using girth welds. Different welding specifications that have been used in the past 40 years and girth welds with different specifications may behave differently when coming into contact with hydrogen gas.
The aim of the flow loop test programme is to begin to evaluate the durability of pipeline materials in the context of future proofing of gas grid service where the gas mix may include a significant proportion of hydrogen. One specific objective is to investigate the resistance to hydrogen embrittlement of a conventional steel (X52) with commonly used girth welds. The primary concern is that the phenomenon of hydrogen embrittlement may cause unexpected or early failure mechanisms especially in older pipe sections with less stringent girth weld specifications.
This report and any attachment is freely available on the ENA Smarter Networks Portal here. IGEM Members can download the report and any attachment directly by clicking on the pdf icon above.
The aim of the flow loop test programme is to begin to evaluate the durability of pipeline materials in the context of future proofing of gas grid service where the gas mix may include a significant proportion of hydrogen. One specific objective is to investigate the resistance to hydrogen embrittlement of a conventional steel (X52) with commonly used girth welds. The primary concern is that the phenomenon of hydrogen embrittlement may cause unexpected or early failure mechanisms especially in older pipe sections with less stringent girth weld specifications.
This report and any attachment is freely available on the ENA Smarter Networks Portal here. IGEM Members can download the report and any attachment directly by clicking on the pdf icon above.
H21- Strategic Modelling Major Urban Centres
Aug 2019
Publication
This report summarises the results of an independent audit carried out by DNV GL on the model conversions from natural gas to hydrogen for the models being used as a benchmark for the wider UK proposed hydrogen conversion of the natural gas network. The detailed model conversion process was derived from the H21 modelling meetings and the detailed notes were put together by NGN as a basic guide which has been included in Appendix A and is summarised as follows:
- Current 5 year planning model is updated and then used to generate a Replacement Expenditure (REPEX) natural gas model which would remove metallic pipes from the networks by insertion where possible
- Merging models together to form larger networks where required
- Preparation for conversion to hydrogen which would include the District Governor (DG) capacity increases to run the additional model flows
- Conversion of the models to hydrogen by changing demands to thermal and the gas characteristics to those of hydrogen
- Applying reinforcement to remove pressure failures.
Impact of Hydrogen Admixture on Combustion Processes – Part I: Theory
Jun 2020
Publication
Climate change is one of today’s most pressing global challenges. Since the emission of greenhouse gases is often closely related to the use and supply of energy the goal to avoid emissions requires a fundamental restructuring of the energy system including all parts of the technology chains from production to end-use. Natural gas is today one of the most important primary energy sources in Europe with utilization ranging from power generation and industry to appliances in the residential and commercial sector as well as mobility. As natural gas is a fossil fuel gas utilization is thus responsible for significant emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) a greenhouse gas. However the transformation of the gas sector with its broad variety of technologies and end-use applications is a challenge as a fuel switch is related to changing physical properties. Today the residential and commercial sector is the biggest end user sector for natural gas in the EU both in terms of consumption and in the number of installed appliances. Natural gas is used to provide space heating as well as hot water and is used in cooking and catering appliances with in total about 200 million gas-fired residential and commercial end user appliances installed. More than 40 % of the EU gas consumption is accounted for by the residential and commercial sector. The most promising substitutes for natural gas are biogases and hydrogen. The carbon-free fuel gas hydrogen may be produced e.g. from water and renewable electricity; therefore it can be produced with a greatly lowered carbon footprint and on a very large scale. As a gaseous fuel it can be transported stored and utilised in all end-use sectors that are served by natural gas today: Power plants industry commercial appliances households and mobility. Technologies and materials however need to be suitable for the new fuel. The injection of hydrogen into existing gas distribution for example will impact all gas-using equipment in the grids since these devices are designed and optimized to operate safely efficiently and with low pollutant emissions with natural gas as fuel. The THyGA project1 focusses on all technical aspects and the regulatory framework concerning the potential operation of domestic and commercial end user appliances with hydrogen / natural gas blends. The THyGA deliverables start with theoretical background from material science (D2.4) and combustion theory (this report) and extend to the project’s experimental campaign on hydrogen tolerance tests as well as reports on the status quo and potential future developments on rules and standards as well as mitigation strategies for coping with high levels of hydrogen admixture. By this approach the project aims at investigating which levels of hydrogen blending impact the various appliance technologies to which extent and to identify the regime in which a safe efficient and low-polluting operation is possible. As this is in many ways a question of combustion this report focuses on theoretical considerations about the impact of hydrogen admixture on combustion processes. The effects of hydrogen admixture on main gas quality properties as well as combustion temperatures laminar combustion velocities pollutant formation (CO NOx) safety-related aspects and the impact of combustion control are discussed. This overview provides a basis for subsequent steps of the project e.g. for establishing the testing program. A profound understanding of the impact on hydrogen on natural gas combustion is also essential for the development of mitigation strategies to reduce potential negative consequences of hydrogen admixture on appliances.
This is part one. Part two of this project can be found at this link
This is part one. Part two of this project can be found at this link
Hy4Heat Understanding Commercial Appliances - Work Package 5
Nov 2020
Publication
The 'Hydrogen for Heat' (Hy4Heat) programme aims to support the UK Government in its ambitions to decarbonise the UK energy sector in line with the targets of the Climate Change Act 2008 by attempting to evaluate and de-risk the natural gas to hydrogen network conversion option. The impact on the commercial sector is an important factor in understanding the feasibility of utilising hydrogen to decarbonise heat in the UK. The overall objective of the market research study Work Package 5 (WP5) was to determine if it is theoretically possible to successfully convert the commercial sector to hydrogen. This work will contribute to the understanding of the scale type and capacity of gas heating appliances within the sector providing a characterisation of the market and determining the requirements and feasibility for successfully transitioning them to hydrogen in the future.
This report and any attachment is freely available on the Hy4Heat website here. The report can also be downloaded directly by clicking on the pdf icon above
This report and any attachment is freely available on the Hy4Heat website here. The report can also be downloaded directly by clicking on the pdf icon above
Hy4Heat Conversion of Industrial Heating Equipment to Hydrogen - Work Package 6
Jan 2020
Publication
The study focuses on converting current industrial natural gas heating technologies to use 100% hydrogen considering the evidence which must be available before a decision on the UK’s decarbonisation pathway for heating could be made. The aim of the study is to assess the technical requirements and challenges associated with industrial hydrogen conversion and estimate the associated costs and timeframes.
This report and any attachment is freely available on the Hy4Heat website here. IGEM Members can download the report and any attachment directly by clicking on the pdf icon above.
This report and any attachment is freely available on the Hy4Heat website here. IGEM Members can download the report and any attachment directly by clicking on the pdf icon above.
Hy4Heat Hydrogen Odorant - Work Package 2
Nov 2020
Publication
This work programme was focused on identifying a suitable odorant for use in a 100% hydrogen gas grid (domestic use such as boilers and cookers). The research involved a review of existing odorants (used primarily for natural gas) and the selection of five suitable odorants based on available literature. One odorant was selected based on possible suitability with a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) based fuel cell vehicle which could in future be a possible end-user of grid hydrogen. NPL prepared Primary Reference Materials containing the five odorants in hydrogen at the relevant amount fraction levels (as would be found in the grid) including ones provided by Robinson Brothers (the supplier of odorants for natural gas in the UK). These mixtures were used by NPL to perform tests to understand the effects of the mixtures on pipeline (metal and plastic) appliances (a hydrogen boiler provided by Worcester Bosch) and PEM fuel cells. HSE investigated the health and environmental impact of these odorants in hydrogen. Olfactory testing was performed by Air Spectrum to characterise the ‘smell’ of each odorant. Finally an economic analysis was performed by E4tech. The results confirm that Odorant NB would be a suitable odorant for use in a 100% hydrogen gas grid for combustion applications but further research would be required if the intention is to supply grid hydrogen to stationery fuel cells or fuel cell vehicles. In this case further testing would need to be performed to measure the extent of fuel cell degradation caused by the non-sulphur odorant obtained as part of this work programme and also other UK projects such as the Hydrogen Grid to Vehicle (HG2V) project[1] would provide important information about whether a purification step would be required regardless of the odorant before the hydrogen purity would be suitable for a PEM fuel cell vehicle. If purification was required it would be fine to use Odorant NB as this would be removed during the purification step.
This report and any attachment is freely available on the Hy4Heat website here. The report can also be downloaded directly by clicking on the pdf icon above
This report and any attachment is freely available on the Hy4Heat website here. The report can also be downloaded directly by clicking on the pdf icon above
HyDeploy Gas Safe Webinar
Nov 2020
Publication
HyDeploy is a pioneering hydrogen energy project designed to help reduce UK CO2 emissions and reach the Government’s net zero target for 2050.
As the first ever live demonstration of hydrogen in homes HyDeploy aims to prove that blending up to 20% volume of hydrogen with natural gas is a safe and greener alternative to the gas we use now. It is providing evidence on how customers don’t have to change their cooking or heating appliances to take the blend which means less disruption and cost for them.
As the first ever live demonstration of hydrogen in homes HyDeploy aims to prove that blending up to 20% volume of hydrogen with natural gas is a safe and greener alternative to the gas we use now. It is providing evidence on how customers don’t have to change their cooking or heating appliances to take the blend which means less disruption and cost for them.
Heat Networks 2020
Dec 2020
Publication
This publication by the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) brings together heat networks investment opportunities in England and Wales. The opportunities present a wide range of projects supported through the development stages by the Heat Networks Delivery Unit (HNDU) and projects seeking capital support from the Heat Networks Investment Project (HNIP).
The publication includes a list of one-page summaries for each of the heat network projects supported by BEIS which set out details of HNDU and HNIP projects where projects have provided enough detail in time for publication.
For HNIP this represents projects which have submitted at least a pre-application to the Delivery Partner Triple Point Heat Networks Investment Management since the scheme opened in February 2019. As a number of the projects are at different stages of development some of the costs aren’t currently available or will be subject to project consent and change as they progress through the project lifecycle.
Related Document: Heat Network Detailed Project Development Resource: Guidance on Strategic and Commercial Case
The publication includes a list of one-page summaries for each of the heat network projects supported by BEIS which set out details of HNDU and HNIP projects where projects have provided enough detail in time for publication.
For HNIP this represents projects which have submitted at least a pre-application to the Delivery Partner Triple Point Heat Networks Investment Management since the scheme opened in February 2019. As a number of the projects are at different stages of development some of the costs aren’t currently available or will be subject to project consent and change as they progress through the project lifecycle.
Related Document: Heat Network Detailed Project Development Resource: Guidance on Strategic and Commercial Case
H21- Public Perceptions of Converting the Gas Network to Hydrogen - Social Sciences Sudy
Jun 2020
Publication
The next decade will see fundamental changes in how people heat their homes. The global energy system is changing in response to the need to transition away from fossil-based generation towards more environmentally sustainable alternatives.
Hydrogen offers one such alternative but currently there is limited understanding of public perceptions of hydrogen the information that people need in order to make an informed choice about using hydrogen in their homes and how misunderstandings could present barriers to the uptake of hydrogen technology. This is crucial to ensure the success of future policy and investment. The H21 concept is to convert the UK gas distribution network to 100% hydrogen over time thereby decarbonising heat and supporting decarbonisation of electric large industrials and transport. This would be achieved using the existing UK gas grid network and technology available across the world today whilst maintaining the benefits of gas and the gas networks in the energy mix for the long-term future. Additionally this would maintain choice of energy for customers i.e. they would be able to use both gas and electricity. The H21 project is being delivered by the UK gas distribution networks Northern Gas Networks Cadent Wales & West Utilities and SGN. As part of the H21 project Leeds Beckett University has been working with Northern Gas Networks to gain insight into public perceptions of hydrogen as a domestic fuel. Using innovative social science methods the research team has explored for the first time public perceptions of moving the UK domestic fuel supply to 100% hydrogen. We identify what people think and feel about a potential conversion the concerns and questions that they have and how to address them clearly. The findings presented in this report will ensure that issues around the current perception of hydrogen are identified and addressed prior to any large-scale technology rollout.
The first stage of the project comprised a series of discovery interviews which explored how to talk to people about hydrogen and the H21 project. We interviewed 12 participants selected to ensure we included people with a range of experiences and domestic settings for example people who live in urban and rural areas those who live alone those who live with children or a partner those who live in their own home and those who rent. Most participants had given very little thought about where their gas and electric comes from and other than switching supplier to get a better tariff had very little interest in it. They had not previously considered their domestic heating as a source of carbon emissions and were surprised that there may be a need in the future to change their gas supply. From the discovery interviews we identified several key areas to explore in the next stage of the work:
This report and any attachment is freely available on the ENA Smarter Networks Portal here. IGEM Members can download the report and any attachment directly by clicking on the pdf icon above.
Hydrogen offers one such alternative but currently there is limited understanding of public perceptions of hydrogen the information that people need in order to make an informed choice about using hydrogen in their homes and how misunderstandings could present barriers to the uptake of hydrogen technology. This is crucial to ensure the success of future policy and investment. The H21 concept is to convert the UK gas distribution network to 100% hydrogen over time thereby decarbonising heat and supporting decarbonisation of electric large industrials and transport. This would be achieved using the existing UK gas grid network and technology available across the world today whilst maintaining the benefits of gas and the gas networks in the energy mix for the long-term future. Additionally this would maintain choice of energy for customers i.e. they would be able to use both gas and electricity. The H21 project is being delivered by the UK gas distribution networks Northern Gas Networks Cadent Wales & West Utilities and SGN. As part of the H21 project Leeds Beckett University has been working with Northern Gas Networks to gain insight into public perceptions of hydrogen as a domestic fuel. Using innovative social science methods the research team has explored for the first time public perceptions of moving the UK domestic fuel supply to 100% hydrogen. We identify what people think and feel about a potential conversion the concerns and questions that they have and how to address them clearly. The findings presented in this report will ensure that issues around the current perception of hydrogen are identified and addressed prior to any large-scale technology rollout.
The first stage of the project comprised a series of discovery interviews which explored how to talk to people about hydrogen and the H21 project. We interviewed 12 participants selected to ensure we included people with a range of experiences and domestic settings for example people who live in urban and rural areas those who live alone those who live with children or a partner those who live in their own home and those who rent. Most participants had given very little thought about where their gas and electric comes from and other than switching supplier to get a better tariff had very little interest in it. They had not previously considered their domestic heating as a source of carbon emissions and were surprised that there may be a need in the future to change their gas supply. From the discovery interviews we identified several key areas to explore in the next stage of the work:
- Beliefs about the environment
- Beliefs about inconvenience and cost
- Beliefs about safety
- Beliefs about the economic impact
This report and any attachment is freely available on the ENA Smarter Networks Portal here. IGEM Members can download the report and any attachment directly by clicking on the pdf icon above.
Hydrogen – Analysis
Jun 2020
Publication
Hydrogen technologies maintained strong momentum in 2019 awakening keen interest among policy makers. It was a record year for electrolysis capacity becoming operational and several significant announcements were made for upcoming years. The fuel cell electric vehicle market almost doubled owing to outstanding expansion in China Japan and Korea. However low-carbon production capacity remained relatively constant and is still off track with the SDS. More efforts are needed to: scale up to reduce costs; replace high-carbon with low-carbon hydrogen in current applications; and expand hydrogen use to new applications.
Link to Document on IEA Website
Link to Document on IEA Website
H21- Hydrogen Boilers Installed in Demonstration Houses
Nov 2020
Publication
Hydrogen boilers have been developed by Worcester Bosch and Baxi and are being trialled in demonstration houses. They look and feel just like the boilers we use today. Hydrogen produces no carbon when used and a hydrogen gas network could provide the least disruptive route to a net zero carbon future.
Fuel Cells and Hydrogen: Joint Undertaking Programme Review 2011 Final Report
Apr 2012
Publication
The Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) has the ambitious objective to place Europe at the forefront of the development commercialization and deployment of fuel cells and hydrogen technologies as of 2015. About €470 million over a six year period have been granted by the European Union to achieve this and private funds are being attracted to support the same ambition as part of the global European effort embedded in the multi-annual implementation plan MAIP (2008-2013).
Hy4Heat Progress Report
Jan 2021
Publication
Hy4Heat’s mission is to establish if it is technically possible safe and convenient to replace natural gas (methane) with hydrogen in residential and commercial buildings and gas appliances. This will enable the government to determine whether to proceed to a community trial.
There is growing international consensus that hydrogen will be essential to successfully tackling climate change. So BEIS is working to develop hydrogen as a strategic decarbonised energy carrier for the UK which will be an essential element of the UK’s efforts to transform and decarbonise our energy system in line with our legally binding 2050 net zero commitment. Hydrogen can be used across multiple end-use sectors including industry transport heat and power. BEIS is looking to support and develop low carbon hydrogen production methods which will position hydrogen as a highly effective decarbonisation option particularly in hard-to electrify sectors and processes.
At the end of 2017 BEIS appointed Arup to be the programme manager for the Hy4Heat programme. Arup partnered with technical and industry specialists: Kiwa Gastec Progressive Energy Embers and Yo Energy and together the team oversees the programme and technical management of all the work packages. For the past three years Hy4Heat has been exploring whether replacing natural gas (methane) with hydrogen for domestic heating and cooking is feasible and could be part of a plausible potential pathway to help meet heat decarbonisation targets. To do this the programme has been seeking to provide the technical performance usability and safety evidence to demonstrate whether hydrogen can be used for heat in buildings.
This report and any attachment is freely available on the Hy4Heat website here. The report can also be downloaded directly by clicking on the pdf icon above.
There is growing international consensus that hydrogen will be essential to successfully tackling climate change. So BEIS is working to develop hydrogen as a strategic decarbonised energy carrier for the UK which will be an essential element of the UK’s efforts to transform and decarbonise our energy system in line with our legally binding 2050 net zero commitment. Hydrogen can be used across multiple end-use sectors including industry transport heat and power. BEIS is looking to support and develop low carbon hydrogen production methods which will position hydrogen as a highly effective decarbonisation option particularly in hard-to electrify sectors and processes.
At the end of 2017 BEIS appointed Arup to be the programme manager for the Hy4Heat programme. Arup partnered with technical and industry specialists: Kiwa Gastec Progressive Energy Embers and Yo Energy and together the team oversees the programme and technical management of all the work packages. For the past three years Hy4Heat has been exploring whether replacing natural gas (methane) with hydrogen for domestic heating and cooking is feasible and could be part of a plausible potential pathway to help meet heat decarbonisation targets. To do this the programme has been seeking to provide the technical performance usability and safety evidence to demonstrate whether hydrogen can be used for heat in buildings.
This report and any attachment is freely available on the Hy4Heat website here. The report can also be downloaded directly by clicking on the pdf icon above.
HyNet North West- from Vision to Reality
Jan 2018
Publication
HyNet North West (NW) is an innovative integrated low carbon hydrogen production distribution and carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS) project. It provides hydrogen distribution and CCUS infrastructure across Liverpool Manchester and parts of Cheshire in support of the Government’s Clean Growth Strategy (CGS) and achievement of the UK’s emissions reduction targets.<br/>Hydrogen will be produced from natural gas and sent via a new pipeline to a range of industrial sites for injection as a blend into the existing natural gas network and for use as a transport fuel. Resulting carbon dioxide (CO2) will be captured and together with CO2 from local industry which is already available sent by pipeline for storage offshore in the nearby Liverpool Bay gas fields. Key data for the Project are presented in Table ES1.
Fuel Cells and Hydrogen: Joint Undertaking Programme Review 2013 Final Report
Mar 2014
Publication
The 2013 Programme Review is the third annual review of the FCH JU portfolio of projects. This edition covers over 100 projects funded through annual calls for proposals from 2008 to 2012.<br/>The Programme Review serves to evaluate the achievements of the portfolio of FCH JU-funded projects against FCH JU strategic objectives in terms of advancing technological progress addressing horizontal activities and promoting cooperation with other projects both within the FCH JU portfolio as well as externally.<br/>The 2013 Review confirms that the portfolio of projects supported within energy and transport pillars and within its cross-cutting activities is a solid one aligned with the FCH JU strategic objectives. Industry and research collaboration is strong with SMEs making up 30% of total participants. The continued expansion of demonstration activities in both pillars answers to a greater emphasis on addressing the commercialisation challenge which is bolstered by activities in basic and breakthrough research.
Fuel Cells and Hydrogen: Joint Undertaking Programme Review 2019 Final Report
Nov 2020
Publication
The 2019 Programme Review Report presents the findings of a review into activities supported by the FCH 2 JU under the EU’s Seventh Framework Programme and Horizon 2020 by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC ). It pays particular attention to the added value effectiveness and techno-economic efficiency of FCH 2 JU projects assigned to six review panels under two main pillars:<br/>Transport and Energy (TRANSPORT: a.trials and deployment of fuel cell applications and b.the next generation of products) (ENERGY: a.trials and deployment of fuel cell applications b.next generation of products and c.hydrogen for sectoral integration)<br/>Support for market uptake (cross-cutting activities such as standards and consumer awareness)<br/>This report covers all 81 projects that were ongoing for any time between April and October 2018 and assesses the strengths and accomplishments of each panel and areas that would benefit from further attention.
Fuel Cells and Hydrogen: Joint Undertaking Programme Review 2015 Final Report
Apr 2016
Publication
The 2015 Programme Review Report refers to the fifth review of the FCH JU project portfolio and covers 100 projects funded through annual calls for proposals from 2009 to 2013.<br/>The reviews began in 2011 following a recommendation arising from the interim evaluation of the FCH JU which identified the need to ensure that the overall project portfolio fulfilled the objectives of the FCH JU Multi-Annual Implementation and Work Plans.
Fuel Cells and Hydrogen: Joint Undertaking Programme Review 2012 Final Report
Mar 2013
Publication
Initiated in 2011 the 2012 programme review edition covered 71‘live’ projects from the 2008 2009 and 2010 calls for proposals together with some projects from the 2011 call. Total funding for these projects stands at close to € 450 million 50% of which comes from FCH JU financial contributions and 50% of which comes from industry and research in-kind contributions.
SGN Project Report - Flame Visibility Risk Assessment
Feb 2021
Publication
This report contains information on the relative risks of natural gas and hydrogen fires particularly regarding their visibility. The fires considered are those that could occur on the H100 Fife trial network. The H100 Fife project will connect a number of residential houses to 100% hydrogen gas supply. The project includes hydrogen production storage and a new distribution network. From a review of large and small-scale tests and incidents it is concluded that hydrogen flames are likely to be clearly visible for releases above 2 bar particularly for larger release rates. At lower pressures hydrogen flame visibility will be affected by ambient lighting background colour and release orientation although this is also the case for natural gas. Potential safety implications from lack of flame visibility are that SGN workers other utility workers or members of the public could inadvertently come into contact with an ignited release. However some releases would be detected through noise thrown soil or interaction with objects. From a workshop and review of risk reduction measures and analysis of historical interference damage incidents it is concluded that flames with the potential for reduced visibility are adequately controlled. This is due to the likelihood of such scenarios occurring being low and that the consequences of coming into contact with such a flame are unlikely to be severe. These conclusions are supported by cost-benefit analysis that shows that no additional risk mitigation measures are justified for the H100 project. It is recommended that the cost-benefit analysis is revisited before applying the approach to a network wider than the H100 project. It was observed that the addition of odorant at relevant concentrations did not have an effect on the visibility of hydrogen flames.
This report and any attachment is freely available on the ENA Smarter Networks Portal here. IGEM Members can download the report and any attachment directly by clicking on the pdf icon above.
This report and any attachment is freely available on the ENA Smarter Networks Portal here. IGEM Members can download the report and any attachment directly by clicking on the pdf icon above.
H21- Leeds City Gate Project Report
Jul 2016
Publication
The H21 Leeds City Gate project is a study with the aim of determining the feasibility from both a technical and economic viewpoint of converting the existing natural gas network in Leeds one of the largest UK cities to 100% hydrogen. The project has been designed to minimise disruption for existing customers and to deliver heat at the same cost as current natural gas to customers. The project has shown that:
The project has provided costs for the scheme and has modelled these costs in a regulatory finance model. In addition the availability of low-cost bulk hydrogen in a gas network could revolutionise the potential for hydrogen vehicles and via fuel cells support a decentralised model of combined heat and power and localised power generation.
This report and any attachment is freely available on the ENA Smarter Networks Portal here. IGEM Members can download the report and any attachment directly by clicking on the pdf icon above.
- The gas network has the correct capacity for such a conversion
- It can be converted incrementally with minimal disruption to customers
- Minimal new energy infrastructure will be required compared to alternatives
- The existing heat demand for Leeds can be met via steam methane reforming and salt cavern storage using technology in use around the world today
The project has provided costs for the scheme and has modelled these costs in a regulatory finance model. In addition the availability of low-cost bulk hydrogen in a gas network could revolutionise the potential for hydrogen vehicles and via fuel cells support a decentralised model of combined heat and power and localised power generation.
This report and any attachment is freely available on the ENA Smarter Networks Portal here. IGEM Members can download the report and any attachment directly by clicking on the pdf icon above.
HyDeploy2: Materials Summary and Interpretation
May 2021
Publication
During the exemption application process the original report was evaluated as part of a regulatory review and responses to questions submitted for further consideration. These have been addressed in this revised version (revision 1) in the form of an addendum. The addendum includes the question raised its number and the response to it. The area of the main body of the report to which each question and response refers is indicated by square brackets and the addendum number e.g. [A1].<br/>Through analysis of the literature and results of the practical testing the susceptibility of materials present in the Winlaton trial site to hydrogen degradation has been assessed with consideration of the Winlaton operating conditions (up to 20% H2 at total blend pressures of 20 mbar – 2 bar). The aim of this report has been to determine whether there are any components which have been identified at the Winlaton trial site which could have a significantly increased risk of failure due to their exposure to hydrogen during the one year trial. Where possible direct supporting data has been used to make assessments on the likelihood of failure; in other cases the assessment was aided by collaborative expert opinion in the fields of mechanical engineering materials science and the domestic gas industry.<br/>Click on the supplements tab to view the other documents from this report
Blended Hydrogen: The UK Public’s Perspective
Nov 2019
Publication
Hydrogen is increasingly being positioned as an important component of the UK’s Net Zero ambitions and commitments. In particular hydrogen could be an appropriate way to decarbonise the heat produced for domestic and industrial buildings. It is possible that hydrogen could replace natural gas in the UK gas network achieving key carbon emissions reduction targets while enabling homes to be heated to a similar level and standard as they currently are.<br/>In the interim small amounts of hydrogen will soon be blended into current natural gas supplies. The premise of this idea is to blend hydrogen into the existing gas network in small enough quantities to not require any adjustments to domestic cookers boilers and other gas-fired appliances but in large enough quantities to generate significant immediate reductions in carbon emissions. Three trials will take place between 2019 and 2022 as part of the HyDeploy project with the aim of demonstrating that hydrogen blending can occur at scale with no safety implications and no disruption to users.<br/>Public perceptions and acceptance of hydrogen will be pivotal in this scenario. At present there is very little indication of how acceptable hydrogen will be for heating homes and questions around safety cost and performance are only beginning to be understood and addressed.<br/>This report investigates public perceptions of blended hydrogen as a fuel for UK homes. In March 2019 we administered a survey to a sample (n=742) representative of the UK adult population in terms of age sex ethnicity and personal income. Our survey covered initial perceptions values and knowledge of hydrogen; the possibilities and pitfalls of hydrogen blending; public trust; and participants’ overall support for hydrogen. Key Findings and Conclusions and Recommendations for Policy and Practice follow immediately with the full report beginning on p.6.
Hydrogen Europe's Position Paper on the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy
Dec 2020
Publication
The document highlights the role of hydrogen in the decarbonisation of the transport sector. It also provides a series of policy recommendations covering all modes of transport hydrogen distribution and infrastructure and hydrogen as a fuel.
Hy4Heat Safety Assessment: Conclusions Report (Incorporating Quantitative Risk Assessment) - Work Package 7
May 2021
Publication
The Hy4Heat Safety Assessment has focused on assessing the safe use of hydrogen gas in certain types of domestic properties and buildings. The summary reports (the Precis and the Safety Assessment Conclusions Report) bring together all the findings of the work and should be looked to for context by all readers. The technical reports should be read in conjunction with the summary reports. While the summary reports are made as accessible as possible for general readers the technical reports may be most accessible for readers with a degree of technical subject matter understanding. All of the safety assessment reports have now been reviewed by the HSE.<br/><br/>A comparative risk assessment of natural gas versus hydrogen gas including a quantitative risk assessment; and identification of control measures to reduce risk and manage hydrogen gas safety for a community demonstration.
HyDeploy2: Gas Characteristics Summary and Interpretation
Jun 2020
Publication
In order to inform the Quantified Risk Assessment (QRA) and procedures for the Winlaton trial the gas characteristics relating to the behaviour of the flammable gas have been reviewed for blended natural gas mixtures containing 20% mol/mol hydrogen (hereby referred to as “blend”) for normal operation and 50% mol/mol for fault conditions. This work builds on the findings of the previous HyDeploy gas characteristics report HyD-Rep04-V02-Characteristics.<br/>Click on the supplements tab to view the other documents from this report
Impact of Hydrogen Admixture on Combustion Processes – Part II: Practice
Dec 2020
Publication
The Fuel Cells & Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) project ""Testing Hydrogen admixture for Gas Appliances"" aka THyGA is proud to release the second deliverable about the impact of hydrogen admixture on combustion processes. This time the report explores the expected impact of H2NG on a range of appliance designs installed in the EU.
After the deliverable D2.2 dedicated to the theorical estimation of the impact of H2 admixture THyGA reviews results from the litterature to evaluate available knowledge on CO and NOx formation overheating flame temperature flashback H2 leakage operational implications and efficiency of appliances supplied with H2NG blends. Learn more and read deliverable D2.3.
Climate change is one of today’s most pressing global challenges. Since the emission of greenhouse gases is often closely related to the use and supply of energy the goal to avoid emissions requires a fundamental restructuring of the energy system including all parts of the technology chains from production to end-use. Natural gas is today one of the most important primary energy sources in Europe with utilization ranging from power generation and industry to appliances in the residential and commercial sector as well as mobility. As natural gas is a fossil fuel gas utilization is thus responsible for significant emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) a greenhouse gas.
This is part two. Part one of this project can be found at this link
After the deliverable D2.2 dedicated to the theorical estimation of the impact of H2 admixture THyGA reviews results from the litterature to evaluate available knowledge on CO and NOx formation overheating flame temperature flashback H2 leakage operational implications and efficiency of appliances supplied with H2NG blends. Learn more and read deliverable D2.3.
Climate change is one of today’s most pressing global challenges. Since the emission of greenhouse gases is often closely related to the use and supply of energy the goal to avoid emissions requires a fundamental restructuring of the energy system including all parts of the technology chains from production to end-use. Natural gas is today one of the most important primary energy sources in Europe with utilization ranging from power generation and industry to appliances in the residential and commercial sector as well as mobility. As natural gas is a fossil fuel gas utilization is thus responsible for significant emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) a greenhouse gas.
This is part two. Part one of this project can be found at this link
Heat Pump Manufacturing Supply Chain Research Project Report
Dec 2020
Publication
The Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) commissioned a study to research the capacity of the manufacturing supply chain to meet expected future demand for heat pumps. This report contains analysis of the existing supply chain including component parts and also assesses the risks to and opportunities for growth in domestic heat pump manufacture and export.<br/><br/>Alongside a literature review the findings in this report were supported by interviews with organisations involved in the manufacture of heat pumps and an online workshop held with a range of businesses throughout the supply chain.
HyDeploy Report: Summary of Procedural Changes During Trial
Aug 2018
Publication
The assessment of appropriate operational procedures to govern the injection of a hydrogen/natural gas blend into the Keele University G3 gas distribution network was a requirement as part of the HyDeploy project. To perform this assessment a group of gas industry experts (from Cadent Northern Gas Networks and Keele University Estates Team) along with scientists and engineers from the Health & Safety Laboratory came together to form an Operational Procedures Forum. This forum came together periodically in various workshops to explore and assess the impact of hydrogen blended gas on all the relevant and current operational procedures that govern the safe transportation and utilisation of natural gas within the Keele University G3 gas distribution network.
The operational procedures assessment has led to a determination as to whether a change is or is not required for relevant operational procedures where a basis of concern existed with respect to the injection of hydrogen blended gas. The report essentially summarises the key points of the basis of concern for different operational procedures by highlighting the key points of the existing procedure and whether this procedure requires modification for the hydrogen blended gas injection trial. Any requirements to modify an existing procedure have been given in this report referencing the source as to where the detailed analysis for the change/no change recommendation has been given.
The forum took into account the associated experimental and research carried out as part of the HyDeploy project such as the assessment of gas characteristics materials impact asset survey of assets on the Keele G3 GDN and impact of hydrogen blended gas on gas detection equipment references to these studies have been given accordingly to associated impacted operational procedures.
The conclusion of the assessment is that there are some operational procedures that are unchanged some that require an increase in the frequency as to how often they are performed and some procedures which require a fundamental modification. Therefore it is necessary that an appropriate training package is built off the back of the results presented in this report and disseminated accordingly to all relevant Operatives that will be responsible for the safety operation and maintenance of the Keele G3 GDN during the hydrogen blend injection period.
Click on Supplements to see the other documents from this report
The operational procedures assessment has led to a determination as to whether a change is or is not required for relevant operational procedures where a basis of concern existed with respect to the injection of hydrogen blended gas. The report essentially summarises the key points of the basis of concern for different operational procedures by highlighting the key points of the existing procedure and whether this procedure requires modification for the hydrogen blended gas injection trial. Any requirements to modify an existing procedure have been given in this report referencing the source as to where the detailed analysis for the change/no change recommendation has been given.
The forum took into account the associated experimental and research carried out as part of the HyDeploy project such as the assessment of gas characteristics materials impact asset survey of assets on the Keele G3 GDN and impact of hydrogen blended gas on gas detection equipment references to these studies have been given accordingly to associated impacted operational procedures.
The conclusion of the assessment is that there are some operational procedures that are unchanged some that require an increase in the frequency as to how often they are performed and some procedures which require a fundamental modification. Therefore it is necessary that an appropriate training package is built off the back of the results presented in this report and disseminated accordingly to all relevant Operatives that will be responsible for the safety operation and maintenance of the Keele G3 GDN during the hydrogen blend injection period.
Click on Supplements to see the other documents from this report
HyDeploy Report: Trial Management
Aug 2018
Publication
The trial management philosophy of HyDeploy has been developed to enable the overall objectives of the project to be achieved; the safe demonstration of operating a Gas Distribution Network (GDN) on a blend of natural gas and hydrogen. This document provides an overview of the management and governance processes associated with the trial itself. The operational and safety related undertakings before during and after the trial are summarised within this report as well as the intrial experimental programme. The detailed operational procedures are covered in HyD-Rep09.<br/>The programme structure of HyDeploy consists of three phases: Phase 1: Enabling work for preparation of GS(M)R Exemption Phase 2: Construction and installation of process equipment and Phase 3: Safe injection of hydrogen – the trial.<br/>This report focuses on Phase 3 which has two parts; the Proving Trial and; the Trial. As Statutory Duty Holder Keele is accountable for operation of the network it owns over the course of the trial. Operation and maintenance of the network will be undertaken according to the provisions of the Exemption on the basis of agreed revised procedures (HyD-Rep09) by Keele and Cadent. A governance process is in place to manage the blending of hydrogen into the network. This isdescribed in Sections 2 and 3.<br/>Safety related undertakings will be actioned before during and after the trial to mitigate risks identified through the house-to-house testing (HyD-Rep06) procedural review (HyD-Rep09) and quantitative risk assessment (HyD-Rep02). This scope of the undertakings includes actions associated with the end appliances the network itself and the process equipment to be installed.<br/>The detail of these undertakings is given in Section 4.<br/>As part of the trial an experimental programme has been designed to provide further evidence relating to the interactions of a hydrogen blend on network materials and end appliances. The experimental programme is detailed in Section 5.<br/>Click the supplements tab to see the other documents from this report
Effect of a Ripple Current on the Efficiency of a PEM Electrolyser
Mar 2021
Publication
The aim of this study was to determine how the efficiency of a proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyser is affected by an electric ripple current and the different characteristics of the ripple current (frequency amplitude and waveform). This paper presents the experimental method and measured results used to analyse the effect of ripple currents at various frequencies ripple factors and waveforms on the hydrogen production power consumption and efficiency of a PEM electrolyser. An active laboratory-size PEM electrolysis system was used to investigate the impact of various ripple currents on the efficiency of the system. The results revealed that the average power consumption increases as the ripple factor increases and decreases as the frequency of the ripple increases while the waveform of the applied current has no effect. Furthermore the average hydrogen flow rate is unaffected by the ripple factor frequency or waveform of the applied ripple current.
North East Network & Industrial Cluster Development – Summary Report A Consolidated Summary Report by SGN & Wood
Nov 2021
Publication
In response to the global climate emergency governments across the world are aiming to lower greenhouse gas emissions to slow the damaging effects of climate change.<br/>The Scottish Government has set a target of net zero emissions by 2045. Already a global leader in renewable energy and low-carbon technology deployment Scotland’s energy landscape is set to undergo more change as it moves toward becoming carbon-neutral. Key to that change will be the transition from natural gas to zero-carbon gases like hydrogen and biomethane.<br/>Scotland’s north-east and central belt are home to some of its largest industrial carbon emitters. The sector’s reliance on natural gas means that it emits 11.9Mt of CO2 emissions per year says NECCUS: the equivalent of 2.6 million cars or roughly all the cars in Scotland. Most homes and businesses across Scotland also use natural gas for heating.<br/>Our North-East Network and Industrial Cluster project is laying the foundations for the rapid decarbonisation of this high-emitting sector. We’ve published a report outlining the practical steps needed to rapidly decarbonise a significant part of Scotland’s homes and industry. It demonstrates how hydrogen can play a leading role in delivering the Scottish Government’s target of one million homes with low carbon heat by 2030.<br/>The research published with global consulting and engineering advisor Wood sets out a transformational and accelerated pathway to 100% hydrogen for Scotland’s gas networks which you can see on the map below. It also details the feasibility of a CO2 collection network to securely capture transport and store carbon dioxide emissions deep underground.
East Coast Hydrogen Feasibility Report
Nov 2021
Publication
The highlights of the report include:
- East Coast Hydrogen has the potential to connect up to 7GW of hydrogen production by 2030 alone exceeding the UK Government’s 5GW by 2030 target in a single project. It represents an unmissable opportunity for government and the private sector to work together in delivering on our ambitious decarbonisation targets.
- East Coast Hydrogen can use the natural assets of the North of England including existing and potential hydrogen storage facilities and build on the hydrogen production in two of the UK’s largest industrial clusters in the North East and North West in turn ensuring significant private sector investment in the UK’s industrial heartlands.
- This would be the first step in the conversion of our national gas grid to hydrogen and will act as a blueprint for subsequent conversions across the UK.
- The project will also demonstrate the innovation engineering capabilities and economic opportunity in the North and create tens of thousands of highly skilled Green jobs in the future hydrogen economy."
Hydrogen Projects Database – Analysis
Jun 2020
Publication
The IEA produced this dataset as part of efforts to track advances in low-carbon hydrogen technology. It covers all projects commissioned worldwide since 2000 to produce hydrogen for energy or climate-change-mitigation purposes. It includes projects which their objective is either to reduce emissions associated with producing hydrogen for existing applications or to use hydrogen as an energy carrier or industrial feedstock in new applications that have the potential to be a low-carbon technology. Projects in planning or construction are also covered.
Link to Download Database from IEA Website
Link to Download Database from IEA Website
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