GB’s SGN to step up hydrogen network development

Southern Gas Networks (SGN) is planning new studies in Scotland and southern England on routes and the design of hydrogen transmission infrastructure.

The three pre-FEED (Front End Engineering Design) studies, which will be undertaken over the next 12 months, also are planned to explore how the existing gas networks can support the development of the ‘Scottish cluster’ in the north and the ‘Solent cluster’ in the south, as well as the likely cost and timescales of any new infrastructure required.

The three projects will connect to the national transmission system operated by National Gas Transmission.

National Gas Transmission’s Project Union is aimed to create a 2,000km UK hydrogen backbone, comprised of existing pipeline assets that will be repurposed in phases to transport 100% hydrogen and connecting production and storage facilities with end users.

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H2 Caledonia is planned to combine two pre-FEED studies in Scotland’s central belt and east coast, and also to integrate with SGN’s ongoing Aberdeen Vision study, which is focussed on the development of a dedicated pipeline for the Aberdeen regional gas distribution system.

These projects will explore the development of blue and green hydrogen production across Scotland and the creation of a hydrogen ecosystem.

H2 Connect will develop an optimal design to connect a hydrogen network in central southern England, with a focus on the future expansion of hydrogen production, storage and imports in the Solent region.

SGN’s Hydrogen Solutions Lead Fergus Tickell said that to meet the UK and Scottish government’s respective net zero commitments, the system transformation of the gas networks to 100% hydrogen offers customers and policymakers a potentially low disruption and cost-effective decarbonisation pathway for home heating and industry.

“H2 Caledonia, H2 Connect and Project Union are key drivers in demonstrating how the gas industry can safely and practically transport hydrogen through its network of pipes, plus the strategic planning required for system transformations, while converting gas networks in an affordable and practical way that guarantees the continued security of supply to consumers and businesses.”

Danielle Stewart, Project Union director at National Gas Transmission, anticipates that the outcome of the three projects will be a programme of ‘no regrets’ investments to inform energy policy and enable the UK and Scottish governments to make progress in realising their hydrogen ambitions.

“We believe hydrogen will deliver the flexibility our energy system needs at the lowest long-term cost to the consumer – exciting projects like these are demonstrating that.”