Intelligent Gas Grid

Completed

Fossil Fuels: Oil Gas and Coal(Oil and Gas, Refining, transport and storage of oil and gas)
Hydrogen and Fuel Cells(Hydrogen)
Renewable Energy Sources(Bio-Energy)

Applied Research and Development

PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Computer Science and Informatics)
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering)

Not Cross-cutting

Project Contact
SGN - Southern England

Network Innovation Allowance

Ofgem

01 March 2022

01 May 2022

2 months

£116,401

Energy

South East

Project Contact, SGN - Southern England

Although the project has relevance to the challenges on whole system integration and heat, its scope is most clearly associated with the challenge for data and digitalisation:Automated pressure management software, and the use of near real time data and machine-learning techniques, will contribute to better coordination, planning and network optimisationIncreased injection of biomethane and hydrogen into the network will:Enable progress towards net zeroEnable strategic outcomes from other challenges e.g. decarbonisation of heatThe project directly addresses as its primary focus points 7 and 9 in the challenge scope definition:Point 7: this project will use novel sensor technology in order to improve visibility of the condition of network infrastructure, and make data-driven decisions about that infrastructurePoint 9: this project will use of data, combined with machine-learning and AI techniques, to improve the forecasting abilities of both demand on the network, and required maintenance and interventions.Utonomy employs a multi-disciplinary engineering team, with specialist technical capabilities in electronics design for hazardous areas, data science and machine learning, industrial IoT and digital communications technologies, cyber security, and cloud-hosted software applications. These skills have been demonstrated in the successfully completed Pressure Management and Control NIA.SGN and Utonomy have developed a successful and innovative partnership over several years via a collaborative NIA-funded project. Through this NIA project, Utonomy has built considerable understanding of the operation and management of gas networks. Likewise, SGN have continued to gain understanding of this technologys wider potential application across its networks. This combined understanding provides a firm R&D partnership from which to launch this project. Before this SIF projects Discovery phase, Utonomy will have completed two relevant Innovate UK projects - Biomethane Feed-in and Intelligent Gas Grid Control (IGGC). Both projects will also positively inform this project.The potential users of the innovation include the network, planning, maintenance and operational teams within GDNs in the UK and worldwide. These users needs include maintaining network safety, ensuring security of thegas supply, providing operational efficiency & reducing maintenance opex, reducing reinforcement capex, reducing environmental impact, and providing value for money for consumers and stakeholders.

14/10/22