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Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number	NIA_WWU_2_08
Title	SWIC - Hydrogen Peaking Plant Feasibility Study
Status	Completed
Energy Categories	Hydrogen and Fuel Cells(Hydrogen) 100%;
Research Types	Applied Research and Development 100%
Science and Technology Fields	ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering) 100%
UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation	Not Cross-cutting 100%
Principal Investigator	Project Contact No email address given Wales and West Utilities
Award Type	Network Innovation Allowance
Funding Source	Ofgem
Start Date	01 April 2022
End Date	31 March 2023
Duration	ENA months
Total Grant Value	£33,333
Industrial Sectors	Energy
Region	Wales
Programme	Network Innovation Allowance
Investigators	Principal Investigator	Project Contact , Wales and West Utilities (100.000%)
	Industrial Collaborator	Project Contact , Wales and West Utilities (0.000%)
Web Site	https://smarter.energynetworks.org/projects/NIA_WWU_2_08
Objectives	Phase One:Engage with existing peaking plant operators in South Wales to obtain their perspective on present day operations and view of the future.Peaking plant units tend to utilise either gas turbine and reciprocating engine equipment. Engage with the market leading OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) to obtain the latest available information on hydrogen capability and performance information for their relevant product range.Compare the anticipate performance of peaking plant on hydrogen with existing natural gas performance. This will be limited to sites with an operational capacity of 10 – 100MW.Perform a quantitative assessment of the potential gas network impact of peaking plant switching from natural gas to hydrogen fuel. Phase TwoDevelop graphics and diagrams which summarise key messages from the suite of NIA SWIC projects to date. This will feed into report for dissemination to industry and the wider public Data Quality StatementThe input data utilised for this Project will adhere to several key attributes including:Consistency: There is no contradictions or inconsistencies in the data. This will be measured by the number of inconsistenciesAccuracy: The information corresponds to reality. This will be achieved by identifying errorsCompleteness: That there are no missing valuesAuditability: Changes to data are auditableTimeliness: The data represents reality within current timescalesHistorical gas demand information for flexible power plant producers connected to WWUs network is a key study input. This information is held by WWU and is used as a basis for charging these power producers for the gas they consume so the data is considered to be both accurate and also a good indication of future gas consumption levels in the short term. In considering future hydrogen consumption, it is proposed that the study will be supported by both input from local power producers (based upon their existing relationship with WWU as gas customers) and gas turbine and engine Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) perspective on equipment performance for hydrogen duty (where Costain has performed recent relevant engagement – e.g. in delivery of the Stanlow H2 CHP FEED study work as part of the HyNet programme in 2021). The combination of these factors provides confidence in the quality of the various aspects of data that will be considered by the study including: Historical (natural gas) gas demand; Future (hydrogen) gas demand; anPerformance information for power production equipment operating on hydrogen. The accuracy and reliability of the dataset underpinning the analyses in the report will undergo a rigorous validation procedure. In accordance with the Costain (ISO 9001) quality process Measurement Quality StatementFor the purposes of traceability and reliability of results, data and methods employed will be based on established best practice regarding data sources and methodologies/tools, which are expected to meet the Data Quality objectives without the need for additional audits. The historical natural gas demand information to be used in the study will be confirmed with both WWUs operational team and also those individual flexible power plant producers who choose to engage with the study. Future flexible power plant operations on hydrogen duty will be based upon historical performance information and subject to review with the existing power plant operators who are WWUs customers to confirm the extent that they anticipate future operations will follow a similar pattern to their recent historical operating profiles. Performance on hydrogen will be reviewed in conjunction with engagement with the relevant OEMs, supported by the fact that the focus of their R&D activity into hydrogen combustion has been on the smaller units within their portfolio which are most applicable to the present study scope. Lastly, review of the potential impact on WWUs network operations will be based upon the understanding already gained by Costain in delivery of the Hydrogen Pipeline Assessment study work (NIA_WWU_02_01) which has recently been completed and peer reviewed by WWUs technical and operational teams.For the purposes of comparability of results, the feasibility study will validate input data and output results against published reports and manufacturers (OEM) data to demonstrate compatibility and validity of assumptions and results, clearly identifying the potential reasons for discrepancies or deviation from the assumptions or results, the conditions for which the results are valid and the sensitivity to assumptions.The project is rated low in the common assessment framework detailed in the Energy Networks Innovation Process (ENIP) document after assessing the total project value, the progression through the TRL levels, the number of project delivery partners and the medium level of data assumptions.No additional peer review is required for this project. In their Net Zero Carbon Budget 2 (2021 – 25) document, the Welsh Government has proposed a moratorium on new build unabated fossil fuel generation in Wales from 2021, with current unabated gas generation removed from the system by 2035. Therefore, the study scope will focus on existing flexible power plant site operators only and will not consider connection of new projects.The study will focus on existing peaking plant units in the region which are already WWU customers and consume gas supplied from WWUs network. Where possible, the study will also include consideration of existing diesel peak generation sites to convert to hydrogen, or natural gas (e.g. at Briton Ferry, Waunarlwydd, Swansea, Dowlais, and Hirwaun).The study scope will consider assessment of the ability of flexible gas generation to combust an intermediate system operations condition with up to a 20% hydrogen blend in the existing natural gas system, as well as the expected pathway to 100% hydrogen combustion.It is intended that the study will comprehensively cover the equipment installed at all the peaking plant sites in the region. However, this will only be achieved if all the site operators engage and support the study activities. If made possible by their engagement, case studies will be included considering operations at specific site locations. There is a lot of ongoing work to identify the most effective route to meet net zero in the UK and this project is one of many projects to evidence the major or minor role hydrogen will have in different scenarios. Repurposing the UK gas networks with hydrogen to support the challenge of the climate change act has the potential to save £millions with minimal gas customer disruption verses alternative decarbonisation solutions To develop a study comparing natural gas vs hydrogen operating characteristics and performance, as well as a quantitative assessment of the relative impact on the gas network, if the local peaking plant was to fuel switch to hydrogen.
Abstract	A project to develop a study to assess the interaction of gas-fired peaking plants connected to WWU network, when the plant is converted to Hydrogen
Publications	(none)
Final Report	(none)
Added to Database	14/10/22