The transition from methane to hydrogen in the NTS presents several challenges and considerations. Hydrogen’s lower ignition energy, wider flammability range, and lower density compared to methane necessitate a careful reassessment of current purge practices. Implementing an optimal purging method becomes crucial to economically remove methane from the network during the transition. Defining acceptance criteria and determining the endpoints purge for hydrogen are essential steps to ensure safety and efficiency. Additionally, addressing the skills gap and training requirements is imperative for personnel involved in handling hydrogen, emphasising the need for specialised training programs to facilitate a smooth and secure transition.
Benefits
An understanding of how hydrogen will impact current purging tools, equipment and practices
- Identify changes required to adapt existing policies, safety processes, standards, and procedures to accommodate hydrogen
- Inform NGT future training program
- Inform Project Union conversion strategy
- Set the scene for further demonstration work to confirm the ability to safely purge hydrogen-containing equipment.
Learnings
Outcomes
The project is in the early stages and no outcomes have been generated to date except from the general key conclusions prementioned in section 4
Value tracking
Data Point
Data Point Definition
Maturity
TRL 2-3
Concept stage for purging procedures for transitioning from methane to hydrogen
Opportunity
100% and multiple asset classes
The project can be applied to
• Pipeline • Branched pipework • Stub/dead end pipework.
• Above Ground Installations AGIs
Deployment costs
-
Deployment costs are not known at this stage of the project but will be defined throughout the project.
Innovation cost
£239,693.33
The cost includes desktop-based work and site visits.
Financial Saving
-
Any financial savings are not known at the start of the project. Methane removal will be economically assessed as a part of CBA in WP4
Safety
-
Understand the impact of hydrogen on NTS purging practices E.g. flammability mixtures in the pipeline. Some key conclusions from WP1 are listed in section 4. NTS safety case evidence to HSE.
Environment
-
Environmental impact assessment of methane removal (mainly WP4)
Compliance
Support compliance
Review guidelines, procedures
Skills & Competencies
Individuals
Skills gap analysis / training requirements WP5
Future proof
Supports business strategy
The project will help enable hydrogen in the NTS and support the energy transition.
Lessons Learnt
The project is in the early stages and no lessons learnt have been generated except from the general key conclusions prementioned in section 4
The project will provide the parties with an understanding of:
• The impact of introducing hydrogen on the current purging practices at transmission level.
• Mitigation requirements of potential risks associated with methane removal and hydrogen purge
• Cost of methane removal and the determination of the most cost-effective method to achieve a 100% hydrogen network while meeting safety, purity, and quality requirements.
• Guide necessary changes to standards and procedures and explore innovative purging systems/methods for the transition and maintenance/outage periods post-hydrogen transition in the NTS, and address skills gaps.
The findings from the project will be uploaded to the ENA Smarter Networks portal and will be shared via National Gas innovation social media.
