Over Christmas the flame was lit on a project that is the first
step along a possible road of change for our future, decarbonised
energy needs.
HyDeploy is a pioneering
energy demonstration to establish the potential for blending
hydrogen, up to 20%, into the UK gas supply so that we can reduce
carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
A year-long pilot of blended gas went live in late December at
Keele University, supplying 100 homes and 30 faculty buildings.
Keele was chosen because it has its own private gas network and
a campus population similar to a small town. The live pilot will
assist in understanding the level of hydrogen which can be used by
customers safely and with no changes to their existing domestic
appliances.
Heating for domestic properties and industry currently accounts
for half of the UK's energy consumption and one third of its carbon
emissions, with 83% of homes using gas to keep warm.
The 20% volume blend means that customers can continue to use
their gas supply as normal, without any changes to gas appliances
or pipework, while still reducing carbon emissions. Introducing a
20% hydrogen blend could save around 6 million tonnes of carbon
dioxide emissions every year, the equivalent of taking 2.5 million
cars off the road.
Backed by Ofgem's Network Innovation Competition, the £7 million
project is led by Cadent in partnership with Northern Gas Networks,
Keele University, integrated hydrogen energy systems manufacturer
ITM-Power, independent clean energy company Progressive Energy and
the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), through its Bespoke
Research and Consultancy services.
HSE has played an important role throughout the project to date,
using facilities at the HSE Science and Research Centre to conduct
extensive research on the effect of hydrogen on the different
materials found in the gas network and the appliances.
Additionally, HSE, plus other project partners, also carried out
laboratory tests on a range of gas appliances, prior to the live
trial.
The information was then used to gain special approval for the
hydrogen blended gas to be delivered under the existing UK Gas
Safety (Management) Regulations (GS(M)R). This means it is
delivered as legally compliant gas during the live pilot and is
considered to be 'as safe as natural gas' for customers to use.
Learn more at our forthcoming event - the Future of Gas
III
HyDeploy is just one of several major hydrogen energy projects
that will be discussed at the forthcoming Future of Gas event.
Back for the third time, the 2020 event will also provide
insights into the safe production and use of hydrogen, giving a
whole system perspective.
By sharing knowledge and working collaboratively, we will not
only help the UK make an informed decision in time to achieve net
zero by 2050, but also position the UK as global leaders in
decarbonised energy innovation, technology and know-how, so that we
can influence and enable international change.
Take a look at our event page to
find out more.