Gas Transmission and Metering (GT&M) are committed to reducing emissions from the operation of the National Transmission System (NTS) and eliminating emissions by 2050. The transition to hydrogen provides an opportunity to significantly reduce emissions on NTS sites in processes where methane is used as a fuel gas.
There are a number of innovative hydrogen production technologies in development, which create hydrogen from methane, which could then be utilised as a fuel gas on site. The project will aim to investigate potential hydrogen production, from methane, technologies and develop a use case on the NTS.
Benefits
The opportunity to fuel assets with hydrogen at NTS sites would reduce carbon emissions before the transition to hydrogen. The project will also inform the hydrogen strategy for the NTS.
Learnings
Outcomes
The project reviewed potential use cases for hydrogen production technologies on NTS sites. 3 use cases were identified has having merit for decarbonising sites, these are hydrogen fired gas turbines (to 20% blend), onsite heating and standby diesel generators. The gas turbines displayed the greatest CO2 abatement potential and the site selection focused on compressor stations. Subsequently, 3 sites were shortlisted for a potential hydrogen production siting trial based on the potential for CO2 abatement and ease to adopt a new technology/trial.
The potential for hydrogen production technologies was explored and 5 key technology types were explored during the project; electrolysis, methane reforming (with CCS), methane reforming (pyrolysis), bio-based production, and others. Many technology parameters were investigated as part of shortlisting the most viable solution for NGT. These included TRL, land use, feedstock availability, efficiency and CO2 reduction potential. Ultimately, 2 technologies were shortlisted for a potential trial – AEM electrolysis and plasma pyrolysis.
Value tracking Data Point Data Point Definition
Maturity TRL2-3
Opportunity >50% or multiple asset classes The project primarily covers decarbonisation of NGT compressor
sites. With use cases of 20% hydrogen blend for gas turbines, on-site heating and standby generators.
Deployment costs >£2,000,000 The costs for purchasing the assessed hydrogen production
equipment and construction vary between the technology and further work would be needed via a pre-FEED/FEED study. The range of deployment costs are between £350,000-£853,450 (the Levidian technology costing £2,203,000) and the cost of construction is projected to be £1,449,000.
Innovation cost £256,000 The project costed £256,000 to run, follow on pre-FEED and FEED
work would be required to instigate a trial.
Financial Saving - The focus of this work is no cost saving but CO2 abatement.
However progression of the hydrogen agenda especially in use cases for hydrogen end use will support the repurposing approach by NGT and carry significant cost savings.
Safety - Safety considerations would be further considered in pre-
FEED/FEED stages.
Environment 31,600 CO2(t) Across the 3 compressor sites shortlisted the average CO2
emission reduction was 1316 CO2(t) per annum for using a hydrogen production technology (Enapter) over the combined 3 use cases. The most significant CO2 abatement was from co-firing the gas turbines to 20% hydrogen blend. Should the technology and approach be rolled out across all compressor stations the average CO2 abatement could be in the region of 31,600 CO2(t) per annum.
Compliance Support compliance There is limited regulatory impact however future trial data
could support readiness decisions for hydrogen at higher blends.
Skills & Competencies No change -
Future proof Supports business strategy Any trial on hydrogen production technologies on site will
support future progression towards 100% hydrogen NTS. This approach provides a steppingstone in this direction and supports the business’ hydrogen strategy.
Lessons Learnt
The key lesson learnt from this project was from engagement with the technology providers. Hydrogen production technology vendors are typically startups that do not have a comprehensive understanding of operating and technical requirements for NGT sites. Therefore, getting the necessary information from them in this regard can be challenging and a better way to conduct this is to present the NGT requirements at the beginning and provide guidance to the technology vendors.
