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29th November 2024

CEO Jon Butterworth delivers keynote speech at Utility Week Forum 

CEO Jon Butterworth delivers keynote speech at Utility Week Forum 

James Wallin, Editor of Utility Week, with National Gas CEO, Jon Butterworth.

National Gas CEO Jon Butterworth joined policy and industry leaders at the Utility Week Forum for a discussion on the future of energy. The conversation centred on how our existing gas infrastructure can support the UK’s net zero goals by integrating hydrogen.

National Gas is driving the transition to hydrogen through two key initiatives. Project Union will establish a 1,500-mile core hydrogen network across Britain by repurposing existing pipelines, connecting industrial hubs like Teesside and the Humber to hydrogen production and storage sites. This national core hydrogen network will enable large-scale distribution, decarbonising key sectors while minimising costs and speeding up deployment. 

FutureGrid demonstrates the feasibility of safely transporting hydrogen through our existing network. Rigorous testing has proven that hydrogen blends – from 2% to 100% – can be carried safely, setting essential standards for a hydrogen-powered future. 

During the forum, Jon emphasised the need for a balanced energy mix of electricity and hydrogen to replace natural gas, enhancing flexibility, security and sustainability. We will continue to work with government to ensure the UK keeps pace with European standards on hydrogen blending and infrastructure development. 

National Gas is proud to lead the way in transforming the energy network for a net zero future. Together, we can make a cleaner, hydrogen-powered future a reality.

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