Our role in decarbonisation

Background

Decarbonisation is a growing priority for the United Kingdom, and the wider world.

In November 2020, the UK Government launched a Ten Point Plan detailing its strategy to achieving its net zero goals.

We’re supporting the growth of low-carbon hydrogen

We’re working closely with our customers and stakeholders to support the growth of low-carbon hydrogen. By testing a 20% blend into the gas distribution grid and supporting 100% hydrogen trials for domestic heating – we’re working towards a cleaner, greener future for the gas industry.

In our unique position at the heart of the gas industry, we’re involved in a number of decarbonisation initiatives, including:

H100

A world-first demonstration bringing 100% green hydrogen gas to domestic consumers for the first time. This project will provide evidence for future low-carbon policy decisions, setting a clear path towards net zero heating for Scotland and the UK.

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HyDeploy

HyDeploy is a partnership between Northern Gas Networks, Cadent, the Health and Safety Executive, Keele University, ITM Power and Progressive Energy.

Together, they’re demonstrating that the gas network can carry a blend of hydrogen with no impact on the customer’s gas supply.

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Hydrogen Village trial

On 6 May 2021, Ofgem announced its decision to find two detailed design studies to develop a Hydrogen Village.

Both Cadent and NGN were chosen to develop plans to run the country’s first Hydrogen Village (also known as the Hydrogen Village trial / programme). These plans will be designed in areas within Whitby (Ellesmere Port) and Redcar.

We’re proud to be supporting both of these projects. Over the coming months, we’ll work with both Cadent and NGN to engage with industry stakeholders and develop project plans in more detail.

We’ll soon be creating a dedicated Hydrogen Village webpage, where you can stay updated on all of the project’s developments.

In 2023, Ofgem will confirm which of the locations will progress to go live from 2025, for around two years.

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Biomethane sites with reduced Propane Injection

As part of its carbon net zero ambitions, SGN is assessing the potential to reduce the requirements to inject propane at biomethane entry points in Scotland.

Local distribution zone (LDZ) embedded entry points may inject biomethane with -4% propane content to increase the energy value of the gas to meet the GDN target calorific value (CV). This is calculated based on the current Scotland (LDZ) average daily CV (FWACV).

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Future Billing Methodology

We’re working with Cadent to optimise the use of renewable-source gases such as biomethane and hydrogen-methane blends.

Both have lower carbon content than natural gas and can begin the decarbonisation journey, with the ultimate aim of converting to 100% hydrogen.

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