Led by Matt Hammond, this theme investigates how the NTS will be transitioned to net zero energy sources and the impact this will have on investments, construction and the operation of these networks.

“Innovation is key to developing the transmission system for transporting hydrogen. The use of innovative techniques and technologies will allow us to repurpose our assets where possible, ensure new assets are fit for purpose, and enable safe operation and maintenance of our future hydrogen transmission system.”

Matt Hammond & Ben Williams

Current projects: 

• NIA: Hydrogen Production Technology for Use on the NTS
• NIA: Hazardous areas for AGIs in hydrogen service
• NIA: Safe venting and re compression of hydrogen
• SIF: SGN – Velocity design with hydrogen
• SIF: SGN – predictive safety interventions
• NIA: CH4rge
• SIF: CH4rge feasibility
• UIOLI: NZASP Ch4rge
• NIA: hydrogen fuel gas for GTs – emissions impact
• NIC: FutureGrid
• NIA: risk assessment methodologies 2021-2026
• NIA: NTS materials testing to enable hydrogen injection
• NIA: FutureGrid 5% hydrogen testing
• NIA: hydrogen as a fuel gas for NTS compressors
• NIA: variable hydrogen blend compression
• SIF: HyNTS compression
• NIA: impact of hydrogen and hydrogen blends on linepack

This theme is led by Haider Hussain and aims to determine the optimum systems to use for measuring and inspecting our networks, using autonomous and robotic systems where appropriate.

“The introduction of hydrogen into our network, in its pure form or blended with natural gas, alters the physical characteristics of the gas in our pipelines. Traditional technologies used on the NTS don’t have the required capability to measure or sense new hydrogen blends. Therefore, innovation is required in automation and measurement to allow us to manage a hydrogen network safely and efficiently.”

Haider Hussain & Doug Millington-Smith

Current projects:

• NIA: H2 fire and gas detection and suppression
• NIA: HyDew (impact of H2 on blended gas dewpoint)
• SIF: HyNTS pipeline dataset
• SIF: Gas analyser systems for hydrogen blends
• SIF: Hydrogen metering
• NIA: HyNTS 100% H2 metering system
• NIA: Multiple gas detection
• NIA: Precision thermography for pipeline inspection
• NIA: HyNTS variable gas blend measurement
• NIA: AGI pipework integrity monitoring for hydrogen
• NIA: Integrated smart sensors for NTS assets
• NIA: Orbital Eye

Led by Robert Best, this theme focuses on enabling our National Transmission System (NTS) assets to accept hydrogen, while delivering improved robustness and maintenance.

“Innovation is key to understanding the risks associated with repurposing the existing network for hydrogen and providing mitigation strategies, where needed. There are also opportunities to explore the use of novel materials to improve the operational efficiency of the assets in a hydrogen system.”

Robert Best & Feona Weekes

Current projects:

• NIA: Multifunctional graphene coatings
• NIA: Inhibition of H2 embrittlement
• SIF: HyNTS protection
• NIA: PRCI 2021-2026
• NIA: EPRG 2021-2026
• NIA: Assessment of legacy gas pipeline steels
• NIA: HyNTS defect fatigue behaviour
• NIA: Research the impact of hydrogen on CP & coatings
• NIA: Impact of hydrogen on NTS polymer/elastomer materials 

This theme focuses on providing accessible, accurate data models of the UK energy network. Led by Sabia Sadiya, it supports the digitalisation of our network and associated assets.

“Digital systems will play a massive part in the energy transition. As the complexity of the network increases with the introduction of net-zero gases, we will need to develop novel tools to ensure we can access and manage our data and therefore the gas network. Interoperability with other energy networks and providers will be key to ensuring a robust and reliable network.”

Sabia Sadiya & Karthik Thangaraj

Current projects:

• NIA: 5G art of the possible
• NIA: Collaborative visual data twin – phase 1
• SIF: Gas network interoperable digital twin
• NIA: New pipeline AI route planning
• SIF: SGN: Gas system of the future – digital twin
• SIF: NGET: Eye in the sky
• SIF: Cadent: Digital platform for leakage analytics
• SIF: SGN: Intelligent gas grid
• SIF: NGN: Thermal imagery analysis
• NIA: Dynamic risk based patrolling
• NIA2: ESO virtual energy system

This theme, led by Harriet Guiry, supports the development of system and network solutions to enable hydrogen deployment by 2050 – ensuring business systems and processes are relevant for a net-zero future.

“Innovation creates change by extending the capability of technology and developing new applications. In turn, this technical advancement drives the need for innovation in supporting frameworks, such as the development of an appropriately skilled workforce. It creates the opportunity to seek out potential new business relationships.”

Harriet Guiry & Helen Dugdale

Current projects:

• SIF: Green hydrogen injection into the NTS
• SIF: Nuclear net zero opportunities
• NIA: GGG hydrogen blending infrastructure
• NIA: GGG hydrogen blending: functional spec for commercial frameworks
• NIA: Gas and elec transmission infrastructure outlook
• NIA: The role of hydrogen as an electricity asset
• NIA2: Role and value of electrolysers in low carbon GB energy system
• NIA: Energy-water Nexus
• NIA2: ESO: hydrogen thermal constraint management
• NIA: Ignition consequences
• NIA: HGR&D: common transition pathways
• NIA: HGR&D: assessment methodologies
• NIA: HGR&D: hydrogen skills and competencies
• NIA: Identification of NTS opportunities in the transport sector
• NIA: Technical and commercial impact of high pressure carbon transportation
• NIA: Hydrogen deblending feasibility
• SIF: HyNTS deblending for transport applications
• NIA: Composite membranes for H2 purification