Britain's national gas network is prepared to support hydrogen as a fuel for residential and industrial use, according to a report released Wednesday by National Gas, the operator of the gas transmission network. The report is based on a year-long trial that tested hydrogen blending with natural gas.
The trial, which scaled hydrogen blending from 2% to 100% in the gas distribution network, encountered “no issues” in the initial phase. The findings indicate that repurposing the existing infrastructure for hydrogen is feasible. The UK government had previously endorsed blending up to 20% hydrogen by volume in the gas network as a strategy to reduce carbon emissions and fossil fuel dependence.
The ongoing second phase of the project will address challenges related to hydrogen compression using current assets, including the potential adaptation of gas turbines for hydrogen use at compressor stations.
Jon Butterwork, Chief Executive of National Gas, commented, “Today's report presents a promising picture on hydrogen blending, which can help the government meet its ambition of making the country a clean energy superpower as we progress to 100% green hydrogen, and all while using our existing infrastructure.”
