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Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number	NIA_WWU_2_09
Title	Industrial Fuel Switching Phase One
Status	Completed
Energy Categories	Hydrogen and Fuel Cells(Hydrogen, Hydrogen transport and distribution) 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 June 2022
End Date	31 January 2023
Duration	ENA months
Total Grant Value	£61,973
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_09
Objectives	The project seeks to address the challenge of industrial conversion to low carbon fuels and focuses on the gas network distribution of hydrogen. By linking into the HyNet project, some of the challenges, such as the source of hydrogen, can be addressed elsewhere, allowing WWU to concentrate on its area of expertise i.e. the transportation of gas. Taking the boundary as the hydrogen National Transmission System/Local Transmission System (NTS/LTS), connection to the industrial meter location allows for a focused effort to fully define the requirements, barriers, business model and cost for what will be a very similar conversion process throughout the UK. The approach of first the transitioning to dual fuel and ultimately a full switch to an alternative fuel source is likely to be the blueprint for conversion.The methods used to address the requirements will initially be driven from a technical standpoint with the commercial being addressed though a highlighted business model for connections. The following outlines the assessment that will be completed as part of phase 1 of this project:Understand the high-level design and associated infrastructure costs for connection to a local hydrogen NTS/LTS based on each industrial sites existing natural gas meter location.Explore connection sizing based on a future-proof model whereby the interim dual-fuel service can be installed with no future reinforcement.Analysis of design and costs against the current regulatory regime and business model for connections, with the recommendation made towards a future business model for industrial dual-fuel connections.Final report detailing the suitability of the existing connection business model for a new industrial hydrogen connection, and the proposal of future business model options for installing and operating the connection, including:Report sections detailing each siteA tool allowing applicability of the preferred future business model to apply to other industrial sites.Data Quality StatementData will be obtained from multiple sources including documented information held within WWU and information held by the industrial sites. At the start of the project a “request for information” document will be generated creating an auditable trail of information. Where information/data is not readily available then assumptions will be made but these will be detailed.To understand the demand requirement for the fuel at the industrial sites, actual meter readings will be requested. If these dont contain enough granularity, further data will be obtained from Xoserve through a formal request.Network analysis will be completed using industrial recognised tools allowing the same methods to be adopted by different organisations and projects.For specific equipment/material data including costings, operation and maintenance then consultation will be requested from vendors (as appropriate) or previous experience held by the organisations within the project.Within the final report the methods used to build the data profiles will be documented for ease of disseminating the knowledge forward. Where assumptions are likely to have a material impact these will be highlighted.The final report will clearly detail all reference material.Measurement Quality StatementData quality will be met by ensuring all gathered data is from a credible source – either WWU document control system or the industrial sites document control system. Data such as meter readings will be from Xoserve. Only measured meter data taken for billing purposes will be used as this has the required measured quality and is auditable.All data will be fully referenced and where justifiable assumptions have had to be made, these will be clearly documented. 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 The main scope of the study is to solve the technical and commercial issues surrounding the transition of the current GD network for industrial users to 100% hydrogen. To achieve this, the following outlines the main scope of the study to be completed as part of phase 1. The study will use the two aforementioned sites as case studies:Understand the high-level network/infrastructure designExplore connection sizingAnalysis of solution against regulatory regime and business model for connectionsFinal report detailing all findingsA tool to allow learning to be applied of the preferred future business model to other industrial sites.If successful a follow-on demonstrator project will be scoped. The scope for phase 1 will be broken down into the following key tasks:Assessment of current connection design to natural gas for both industries and its design basis. This will cover the potential for multiple natural gas connections for different applications.Assessment of existing operating business model for natural gasThis task will require information on existing design (high level), as-built drawings, and existing natural gas tariffs and consumption with annual profile (daily reports and hourly reports for some available period to estimate a peak). In lieu of actual data, estimated tariffs and demands based on Xoserve data will be used. This data, together with any forward energy usage requirements of the industrial sites will allow for an understanding of the design required.Estimation of required hydrogen demand and peak load based on existing natural gas data and at future expansions for industries.High level design of new hydrogen distribution facilities including pipeline extension and service lies from existing tie-in point, including hydraulic analysis by Synergi gas to estimate pipeline diameter, material, pressure etc. This will be a basic analysis based on demand, pressures and an initial high-level hand calc for initial pipe size. The analysis will be based on a single tie into the HP hydrogen pipeline together with a pipe route to the industrial users with several branches off.Concepts for connection will include high pressure (HyNet hydrogen source) intermediate and medium pressure (Alternative hydrogen supply potentials). This will broaden the study to a wider application.High level design of primary meter sets (dual fuel) with pressure regulating facility for each industry for hydrogen supply.Estimation of high-level construction works and estimated scheduleCAPEX and OPEX estimation based on engineering estimate (through Bill of Quantities) and actual rates obtaining with accuracy 20%- 25% and operations and maintenance modelling.Preparation of operating business model and comparison to new connection. Cross-check with alternate connection Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and/or power station where NG is not 100% utilised.Optimization of the business model for each of the two industries and study of 2-3 various scenarios according to their operating profiles (estimated where data not available).Conclusions, preparation of recommendations, risks, barriers and mitigationFuture business model tool to apply to other industrial sitesTechnical and financial feasibility study reportTypical information request for sites under study:Current NG pipeline layoutsMeter location and types,Entry PressureActual load demands, peak, seasonal etc. (estimated where data not available).Future site plans for any additional NG requirementsExisting Natural Gas TariffsThere 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 of pounds with minimal gas customer disruption verses alternative decarbonisation solutions. Due to the low level TRL of the project, it is not possible to provide a more detailed CBA. Identify barriers and solutions to allow industrial users, within the GDN and new connections, to accelerate their decarbonisation and identify how a dual fuel network will function and how the business model for new connections will work.
Abstract	This project is part of the HyNet Industrial Fuel Switching suite of work and will identify barriers and solutions to allow industrial users, within the GDN and new connections, to accelerate their decarbonisation. As well as identifying how a dual fuel network will function and how the business model for new connections will work.
Publications	(none)
Final Report	(none)
Added to Database	14/10/22