HYDROGEN INTRODUCTION TO THE UK GAS GRID
The UK’s gas grid will be able to provide Hydrogen to more households by providing a 20% blend to reduce the carbon emissions associated with burning gas. This reduction is estimated at the equivalent of two and a half million cars a year.
In the report by the ENA (Energy Networks Association) entitled ‘Britain’s Hydrogen Blending Delivery Plan’ it has been determined that all five of Britain’s gas grid companies will meet the government’s target for Britain’s network of gas pipes to be ready to deliver 20% hydrogen to homes and businesses from 2023.
The report discloses the two viable options to the integration of Hydrogen blending into the current infrastructure. This includes a Strategic Approach and a Free Market Approach. Both will be reviewed by BEIS and the best strategy will be implemented to allow the smooth integration by 2023 following the necessary legal changes that must be made by Ministers and regulatory bodies to ensure gas network companies can start blending hydrogen into the gas grid from 2023.
David Smith, Chief Executive of ENA, said: “Whether it be heating our homes, powering our businesses or generating cleaner electricity, hydrogen will help drive up our energy security while driving down our carbon emissions and Britain’s gas grid companies are ready to get on with the job of delivering that.
“This plan sets out the changes needed to deliver cleaner, more secure energy supplies for all. What’s key is that the Government does its bit too by lifting its target for homegrown hydrogen production this decade. Doing that today will help gas grid companies deliver for tomorrow.”
The companies involved are also calling for the UK Government to double its domestic 2030 hydrogen production target from 5GW to 10GW, to ensure that as much hydrogen as possible is produced from sources here in the UK, to better protect homes and businesses from international gas market changes.
The ‘Britain’s Hydrogen Blending Delivery Plan' builds on the progress made by gas network companies through the HyDeploy project, which has demonstrated that blending hydrogen with natural gas is feasible and safe. The project began blending hydrogen into the public gas network in Winlaton, Gateshead, in summer 2021.