New programme will ensure Britain's gas grid is ready for switch to hydrogen-ready boilers
Britain is set to benefit from the world's first zero carbon gas grid, after the launch of a major new project by the country's five gas network companies.
The Gas Goes Green programme will deliver the changes needed to move Britain's network of 284,000km of gas pipelines from delivering methane-based natural gas to zero carbon hydrogen and biomethane. The move will ensure the country's gas network infrastructure is ready for households and businesses to switch to a new generation of hydrogen-ready boilers, to help meet the UK's climate change targets.
23 million properties and 85% of Britain’s homes are connected to its gas grid, making it one of the most extensive in the world. Recent research found that that creating zero carbon gas grid in the UK is not only possible but that it could help save billpayers up to £13bn a year compared to the alternative methods of decarbonising heat and transport.
Gas Goes Green will be spearheaded by Chris Train, the UK’s first Green Gas Champion and the former CEO of gas distribution network Cadent.
In its first phase, the Programme will:
- Agree and deliver a 17-step Hydrogen Transformation Plan for preparing Britain for a national gas boiler switchover scheme.
- Undertake the technical and operational research necessary for the Government to make changes to regulations for using hydrogen and renewable gases in the gas networks.
- Agree and deliver the updated safety measures for running a zero carbon gas grid.
- Make changes to connections to the gas grid, to make it easier for farmers and other businesses to feed in green gases like biomethane into the local gas grid.
The project brings together gas networks with civil servants, engineering and policy experts to solve the operational and technical issues associated with delivering a zero carbon gas grid. Changes will be delivered following regulatory approval.
Gas network companies have been running trials for using hydrogen and other green gas in projects around the country, including at Keele University, which has the world’s first live demonstration of using hydrogen for heating in homes.
Notes to editor
About Energy Networks Association
Energy Networks Association (ENA) is the industry body representing the electricity wires, gas pipes and energy system in the UK and Ireland.
ENA helps its members meet the challenge of delivering electricity and gas to communities across the UK and Ireland safely, sustainably and reliably.
Its members include every major electricity and gas network operator in the UK and Ireland, independent operators, National Grid ESO which operates the electricity system in Great Britain and National Gas which operates the gas system in Great Britain. Its affiliate membership also includes companies with an interest in energy, including Heathrow Airport and Network Rail.
What are energy network operators?
Energy network operators manage and maintain the wires, pipes and other infrastructure which delivers electricity and gas to your home, business and community. They are private companies which are regulated by Ofgem and employ around 40,000 people in Great Britain.