National Grid seeks funding to test UK gas system for hydrogen

UK gas transmission system operator National Grid has applied for funding through national regulator Ofgem's Gas Network Innovation Competition to test its network for the transport of hydrogen, an application published by the regulator said on Dec. 1.

As part of the first phase of the TSO's FutureGrid project, National Grid will aim to demonstrate that the National Transmission System can be repurposed, entailing the construction of an offline hydrogen test facility to assess the impact of methane and hydrogen blends.

The total cost of the project has been estimated by the TSO at GBP12.7 million ($17 million), with an NIC funding request of GBP9.1 million submitted to form the majority of the outlay.

The remainder of the project funds are set to be supplied by the compulsory and voluntary contributions of network licensees, as well as through external funding from a number of partners, including Belgian TSO Fluxys who have pledged GBP1.8 million.

National Grid also listed DNV GL, NGN, HSE and Durham University as project partners, while naming TSOs Gasunie, Gas Networks Ireland, distributor Cadent and the Scottish government among the project's "supporters".

"Hydrogen has the potential to play a role in the decarbonization of heat, power, and industry," the application said.

"Repurposing the NTS will minimize disruption, and potentially cost, for customers and consumers when developing a hydrogen NTS. Using a hydrogen test facility that remains separate from the NTS will allow for testing to be undertaken in a controlled environment, with no risk to the safety and reliability of the existing NTS."

"FutureGrid provides a significant opportunity to increase collaboration across the gas networks, help share learning and increase hydrogen knowledge within the gas industry," it said.