Projects & Initiatives
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 2016 Final Report
Jun 2017
Publication
The Fuel Cell and Hydrogen 2 Joint Undertaking (FCH 2 JU) organised the sixth edition of its Programme Review Days (PRD). 100 projects allocated in 6 panels covering cross-cutting energy and transport in research and demonstration activities have been the basis of the FCH JU's annual review of its research and innovation programme.
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).
HyDeploy Report: Keele Information
Jun 2018
Publication
Keele University was chosen as the site for the HyDeploy project as it was seen as the site offered a high degree of control regarding safety functions high availability of operational data and minimal supply chain interfaces given that Keele University is the supplier transporter and distributer of natural gas at the site. The site was offered to the project as a living laboratory in line with the university's ambition to be at the forefront of energy innovation through the Smart Energy Network Demonstrator (SEND). Evidenced within this report is the supporting data that confirms the rationale for selecting Keele University and the necessary data to profile the section of the gas network which hydrogen will be injected into. The gas network at Keele University is segregated via the governor stations which regulate pressure within the network. The section of network which has been chosen for the HyDeploy project is the G3 network which is regulated by the G3 governor.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hy4Heat Final Progress Report
Apr 2022
Publication
A final report covering covering activity in 2021 and early 2022 including: standards and certification safety assessment and appliance and meter development. It has a foreword from Mark Taylor BEIS Deputy Director for Energy Innovation and an introduction letter from Arup Hy4Heat Director Mark Neller.
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.
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.
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.
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.
HyDeploy Report: Exemption
Oct 2018
Publication
Exemption is requested from the obligation set out in Regulation 8(1) of the Gas Safety (Management) Regulations 1996 (GSMR) to convey only natural gas that is compliant with the Interchangeability requirements of Part I of Schedule 3 of the GSMR within the G3 element of the Keele University gas distribution network (KU-GDN). The KU-GDN is owned and operated by Keele University. The proposed conveyance of non-compliant gas (hereafter called the “HyDeploy Field Trial”) will last for one year of injection and is part of a Network Innovation Competition Project “HyDeploy”. The project aims to demonstrate that natural gas containing hydrogen at a level above that normally permitted by Schedule 3 of the GSMR can be safely and efficiently conveyed and inform decisions on the feasibility and strategy for wider deployment of natural gas containing hydrogen in Great Britain’s (GB’s) gas transmission and gas distribution systems.<br/>Click the supplements tab for the other documents from this report.
HyDeploy Report: Material Effects of Introducing Hydrogen into the UK Gas Supply
Jun 2018
Publication
Introduction of hydrogen into the UK gas main has been reviewed in terms of how materials within the Keele G3 gas distribution network (G3 GDN) on the Keele University network may be affected by contact with natural gas (NG):hydrogen blends up to a limit of 20 % mol/mol hydrogen.<br/>This work has formed part of the supporting evidence for a 1 year hydrogen blending trial on the Keele G3 GDN coordinated by the HyDeploy consortium (formed of representatives of Cadent Northern Gas Networks ITM Power Progressive Energy HSL and Keele University).<br/>A wide range of materials were identified and assessed via a combination of literature review and practical test programmes. No significant changes to material properties in terms of accelerated material degradation or predicted efficiency of gas confinement were identified which would cause concern for the year-long trial at Keele.<br/>It can be concluded that materials on the Keele G3 GDN should be acceptable to provide a safe operating network the HyDeploy demonstrator project up to a level of 20 % mol/mol hydrogen.<br/>Check the supplements tab for the other documents in this report
Decarbonising the UK’s Gas Network - Realising the Green Power-to-hydrogen Opportunity in the East Network
Aug 2020
Publication
Although the UK has done a great job of decarbonising electricity generation to get to net zero we need to tackle harder-to-decarbonise sectors like heat transport and industry. Decarbonised gas – biogases hydrogen and the deployment of carbon capture usage and storage (CCUS) – can make our manufacturing more sustainable minimise disruption to families and deliver negative emissions.
Developing the capability to produce hydrogen at scale is one of the key challenges in the race to meet the UK’s ambitious net zero targets. Using the East Neuk of Fife - with its abundant on- and offshore renewables resource and well-developed electricity and gas networks – as a test bed we investigated the use of surplus electricity generated by renewables to produce green hydrogen which could then be used to heat homes and businesses carbon-free.
Aims
The study focused on answering a number of important questions around bringing power-to-hydrogen to Fife including:
How much low-cost low-carbon electricity would be available to a power-to-hydrogen operator in Fife and how much hydrogen could be produced today and in 2040? How much hydrogen storage would be required to meet demand under three end-use cases: injection into the natural gas grid; use in a dedicated hydrogen grid for heating; and use as transport fuel for a small fleet of vehicles? What if any network upgrades could be avoided by implementing power-to-hydrogen? Which hydrogen end-use markets would be most attractive for a power-to-hydrogen operator? What are the regulatory legislative or market barriers to be overcome to realise large-scale deployment of power-to-hydrogen?
The study
Our expert researchers used a high-level model of the European electricity system and established wholesale prices generation volumes by generation type and constrained generation in Fife. Considering both the present day and a 2040 picture based on National Grid’s Two Degrees Future Energy Scenarios our team explored a number of configurations of power generation and hydrogen end-use to assess the value associated with producing hydrogen.
Alongside this modelling our team conducted a comprehensive review of power-to-hydrogen legislation and regulation and reports and academic papers to identify the current characteristics and direction of the sector observe where most progress had been made and identify lessons learned.
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.
Developing the capability to produce hydrogen at scale is one of the key challenges in the race to meet the UK’s ambitious net zero targets. Using the East Neuk of Fife - with its abundant on- and offshore renewables resource and well-developed electricity and gas networks – as a test bed we investigated the use of surplus electricity generated by renewables to produce green hydrogen which could then be used to heat homes and businesses carbon-free.
Aims
The study focused on answering a number of important questions around bringing power-to-hydrogen to Fife including:
How much low-cost low-carbon electricity would be available to a power-to-hydrogen operator in Fife and how much hydrogen could be produced today and in 2040? How much hydrogen storage would be required to meet demand under three end-use cases: injection into the natural gas grid; use in a dedicated hydrogen grid for heating; and use as transport fuel for a small fleet of vehicles? What if any network upgrades could be avoided by implementing power-to-hydrogen? Which hydrogen end-use markets would be most attractive for a power-to-hydrogen operator? What are the regulatory legislative or market barriers to be overcome to realise large-scale deployment of power-to-hydrogen?
The study
Our expert researchers used a high-level model of the European electricity system and established wholesale prices generation volumes by generation type and constrained generation in Fife. Considering both the present day and a 2040 picture based on National Grid’s Two Degrees Future Energy Scenarios our team explored a number of configurations of power generation and hydrogen end-use to assess the value associated with producing hydrogen.
Alongside this modelling our team conducted a comprehensive review of power-to-hydrogen legislation and regulation and reports and academic papers to identify the current characteristics and direction of the sector observe where most progress had been made and identify lessons learned.
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.
Liverpool-Manchester Hydrogen Cluster: A Low Cost, Deliverable Project
Aug 2017
Publication
Emissions from natural gas combustion and use are the largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the UK. The use of hydrogen in place of natural gas in principle offers a potential route to long term widespread decarbonisation of gas distribution networks as shown by the Leeds City Gate (‘H21’) study.1 The purpose of considering conversion to hydrogen is to deliver widespread carbon abatement across the UK at lower cost than alternative decarbonisation strategies.<br/>The Government is to finalise and publish the long-awaited ‘Clean Growth Plan’ along with an Industrial Strategy White Paper in Autumn 2017. Conversion from natural gas to hydrogen potentially on an incremental basis would likely represent a major opportunity for new industrial growth. This might be through the longer term stability or potential expansion of existing (newly decarbonised) energy intensive industry or through business opportunities and growth created from new technologies developed to facilitate the transition to hydrogen as the UK becomes a global leader and major exporter of equipment and skills. Job creation and the resulting gross value added (GVA) to the economy could therefore be significant in delivery of the goals of the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund (ISCF).<br/>The core requirement is to supply low carbon hydrogen in bulk matching production to distribution network demand at an affordable cost. The H21 study concluded that to do so reliably hydrogen is best produced by reducing natural gas in steam methane reformers (SMRs) fitted with Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). The study proposed that the considerable inter-seasonal and daily fluctuations in network demand can be managed by storing hydrogen in underground salt formations. It concluded that the SMRs with associated carbon dioxide (CO2) capture should be located near to where CO2 transport and storage infrastructure was likely to be created and noted that candidate locations for this are Teesside Humberside Grangemouth and the Liverpool-Manchester (L-M) area. Two of these Humberside and the L-M area are within the Cadent Gas Ltd (‘Cadent’) network and are also industrial ‘clusters’ with significant populations.<br/>The work reported here builds upon the approach proposed in the H21 project by focussing on defining ‘low carbon’ hydrogen supply and distribution systems in Humberside and the L-M area at a system scale sufficient to supply a large city.2 Both the Humber and L-M clusters are close to salt deposits which are suitable for both daily and inter-seasonal storage of hydrogen (for initial or expanded projects). Furthermore new large-scale gas Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) plants widely assumed as likely anchor projects for CCS infrastructure have been consented in both cluster areas confirming that they are both strong candidates as locations for the first CCS clusters and hence as locations for a hydrogen supply system.
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
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