The UK’s network of gas pipes can be ready to deliver 20pc hydrogen to homes and businesses from 2023, according to the Hydrogen Blending Plan released by gas industry body the Energy Networks Association (ENA).

Blending this level of hydrogen into the gas grid would be possible without upgrading any cookers, boilers or heating systems, says the ENA.

The body’s deployment plan builds on the findings of the Hydeploy project, which has been blending hydrogen into the public gas network in Gateshead in the northeast of England since summer 2021.

But more hydrogen production is needed for the plan to be successful, with the body calling for the UK government to double its domestic 2030 hydrogen production target from 5GW to 10GW.

10GW – Electrolyser capacity needed for plans

“This plan sets out the changes needed to deliver cleaner, more secure energy supplies for all,” says ENA CEO David Smith.

“What is 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.”

Options for deployment

In its hydrogen strategy, the government says it will make a decision on blending up to 20pc hydrogen into the gas grid by 2023.

The ENA plan lays out two options that the Department of Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy should choose from: a strategic approach and a free-market approach.

The strategic approach would designate connection locations based on the most suitable parts of the network to maximise hydrogen blending volumes and control blending efficiently.

The free-market approach reflects the existing arrangements for connections to the gas networks and would let the market decide where to inject hydrogen.

The strategic approach offers practical benefits but would require the development of new processes.

Necessary changes

The government and regulatory bodies must make changes whichever approach is taken. These will involve the introduction of statutory instruments and new licences for operators  as well as alterations to the uniform network code and to safety regulations. The passing of primary legislation may also be required, which would likely delay the process.

“While the need to minimise primary legislation change is advisable, it should also be noted that, if blending forms a key part of an investor’s business case, then having explicit primary legislation rules could provide investors with additional confidence,” says the plan.

UK climate watchdog the Committee on Climate Change estimates the country must reduce the average household’s carbon emissions from nearly 3t/yr currently to 135kg/yr to reach net zero by 2050—a drop of around 95pc.

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Author: Tom Young