Blended hydrogen set to help tackle gas crisis this year, vows industry

The Energy Networks Association (ENA) publication Britain’s Hydrogen Blending Delivery Plan, describes how Britain’s five gas grid companies will meet the Government’s target for a nationwide network of gas pipes to deliver 20% hydrogen to homes and businesses acround the country from 2023.

This will replace up to 20% of the natural gas currently used and enable the UK’s gas-fired power plants to use blended hydrogen to generate cleaner electricity.

The companies called on Downing Street to double its domestic 2030 hydrogen production target from 5GW to 10GW, to better protect homes and businesses from international gas market changes.

Blending 20% hydrogen into the gas grid will reduce carbon emissions by the equivalent of 2.5 million cars a year, ENA insisted.

The Plan builds on the progress made by gas network companies through the HYDeploy project, which aims to show that blending hydrogen with natural gas is feasible and safe. The project began blending hydrogen into the public gas network in Winlaton, Gateshead, in summer 2021.

Chief executive of the Energy Networks Association David Smith said:

“Hydrogen will help drive up our energy security, while driving down our carbon emissions – and Britain’s gas grid companies are ready to get on with the job of delivering that.

“This plan sets out the changes needed to deliver cleaner, more secure energy supplies for all. What’s key is that the Government does its bit too by lifting its target for homegrown hydrogen production this decade. Doing that today will help gas grid companies deliver for tomorrow."