Wales & West Utilities has joined forces with National Gas and Northern Gas Networks to develop the gas control room of the future.
This groundbreaking partnership aims to assess the feasibility and impact of distributing a wider range of gases, including hydrogen, through the existing gas network infrastructure. The project, aptly named “Gas Control Systems,” holds the potential to revolutionize the country’s energy landscape by facilitating the transition to low-carbon hydrogen and biomethane, thus accelerating the journey towards a net-zero emissions future.
The UK Government’s Energy White Paper of 2020 designated hydrogen as a crucial element in decarbonizing heat in buildings. Acknowledging the complexity of transforming a natural gas distribution network into one that efficiently transports green gases, the Gas Control Systems project is set to be a pioneering effort in achieving this goal. The envisioned gas control room of the future will play a pivotal role in securely managing a diverse range of gases, including hydrogen blends and pure hydrogen, alongside biomethane. This transformative approach aims to replace conventional natural gas and contribute significantly to the UK’s ambitious Net Zero target by 2050.
With an increased focus on sustainability and a determination to minimize disruptions to energy consumers, the gas networks’ collaboration is at the forefront of converting the existing gas infrastructure to support green gases like hydrogen and biomethane. By enabling the seamless transportation of low-carbon hydrogen and biomethane, the Gas Control Systems project aspires to pave the way for a sustainable and affordable path to Net Zero, ensuring a greener future for generations to come.
As the project progresses, the gas networks will closely examine the existing control room systems and evaluate their readiness to accommodate a diverse range of gases, including methane, biomethane, hydrogen blends, and pure hydrogen. By identifying potential changes required in the control room systems, the partnership aims to ensure seamless operation and facilitate the integration of green gases into the future energy system. The Gas Control Systems project will be a testbed for technological advancements and best practices, serving as a model for other gas networks seeking to transition to a low-carbon future.
Matt Hindle, head of net zero and sustainability at Wales & West Utilities, emphasized the significance of the 2020s as a “decade of delivery,” where the extensive research and development efforts on hydrogen must be translated into real-world applications. The Gas Control Systems project marks a critical milestone in the journey towards implementing hydrogen as a decarbonized heating source and scaling up its integration into the UK’s energy landscape.
The Gas Control Systems project is funded by Wales & West Utilities, National Gas, and Northern Gas Networks, with support from the Network Innovation Allowance (NIA). As the project unfolds throughout the year, it will play a vital role in shaping the future of the UK’s energy sector. The gas control room of the future will be a testament to collaborative efforts, technological innovation, and unwavering dedication to achieving a sustainable, greener, and more resilient energy future for the UK.
