Effect of 100% hydrogen on cast iron assets
Status:
Live
Project Reference Number:
NIA_CAD0094
STRATEGY THEME:
  • Net zero and the energy system transition
START DATE:
END DATE:

Project summary
Funding Licensee(s):
  • Cadent - Eastern
  • Cadent - North London
  • Cadent - North West
  • Cadent - West Midlands
Funding mechanism:
  • NIA_RIIO-2
Technology:
  • Gas Distribution Networks
  • Hydrogen
Expenditure:
£641,333
Preceding Projects:
Third Party Collaborators:
  • Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers
  • DNV
Summary
Learnings
Documents

In the UK, cast iron was the material of choice for the gas distribution network pipework up until the 1970’s. At this time, it was acknowledged that the susceptibility of cast iron to corrosion was greater than polyethylene or steel pipelines which were available as alternative construction materials. Since 1974, there has been a national strategy to replace cast iron mains with alternative materials, however its scope does not cover all iron mains present within the networks. 

DESNZ are committed to making a policy decision on hydrogen for heating in 2026. Therefore, there is a need to understand the interaction of cast iron and iron based materials with hydrogen to determine the risks associated with re-purposing cast iron for hydrogen service

Benefits

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