In an effort to advance the integration of hydrogen into the National Transmission System (NTS), DNV takes the lead as the key partner for National Gas Transmission (NGT) in the expansion of the FutureGrid hydrogen pipeline research facility.
This collaborative venture, supported by Strategic Innovation Funded (SIF) projects from OFGEM, aims to explore the potential of existing assets in transporting hydrogen within the NTS, contributing valuable insights to the UK’s ambitious net-zero targets.
Building on the success of FutureGrid Phase 1, where a high-pressure hydrogen test facility demonstrated the safe transportation of 2% hydrogen blended with natural gas, FutureGrid Phase 2 focuses on critical aspects such as Compression, Deblending, and Purification. DNV, along with other partners, is actively involved in developing a compression and pipeline test facility at Spadeadam Research and Test Facility in Cumbria, Northern England. The overarching goal is to facilitate offline testing of the full compression system, providing essential evidence for a seamless and secure transition to hydrogen.
DNV’s engagement extends to the creation of a hydrogen de-blending, purification, and re-fueling facility at the site. Taking charge of designing, installing, and operating the infrastructure, DNV’s expertise will play a pivotal role in ensuring the efficiency and safety of the hydrogen transportation process. Leveraging the existing FutureGrid infrastructure, this facility aligns with the broader vision of establishing a reliable national hydrogen network.
The projects under FutureGrid Phase 2 aim to address technical evidence gaps and enhance the understanding of working with hydrogen. By developing robust processes and procedures, akin to those established for natural gas, NGT seeks to lay the foundation for running a secure and dependable national hydrogen network. The insights gained from these initiatives are crucial for achieving the UK government’s net-zero targets by 2050, fostering energy resilience, expanding storage capacity, and substantially reducing emissions.
DNV’s involvement in delivering a world-class hydrogen test and demonstration facility underscores its commitment to providing key evidence for the successful transition of the UK network. The project aligns with DNV’s broader research, as highlighted in the 2022 Hydrogen Forecast to 2050, predicting a significant repurposing of hydrogen pipelines globally from natural gas pipelines.
DNV’s 2022 Hydrogen Forecast to 2050 outlines that over 50% of hydrogen pipelines globally are expected to be repurposed from natural gas pipelines. This aligns with the cost-effective strategy of repurposing existing pipelines, offering substantial savings compared to new pipeline construction. DNV’s white paper, “Repurposing onshore pipelines for hydrogen: Guiding operators through the re-evaluation process,” provides a comprehensive guide for industry and regulators, exploring current standards, challenges, and a new evaluation process for repurposing natural gas pipelines for hydrogen.
In the pursuit of a sustainable energy future, FutureGrid Phase 2 stands as a testament to collaborative efforts in exploring the vast potential of hydrogen, ensuring a secure and efficient transition to cleaner energy sources.
