Projects
Projects: Projects for Investigator |
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| Reference Number | NIA_NGGT0156 | |
| Title | Hydrogen Deblending in the GB Gas Network | |
| Status | Completed | |
| Energy Categories | Fossil Fuels: Oil Gas and Coal(Oil and Gas, Refining, transport and storage of oil and gas) 20%; Hydrogen and Fuel Cells(Hydrogen, Hydrogen transport and distribution) 80%; |
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| 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 National Grid Gas Transmission |
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| Award Type | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Funding Source | Ofgem | |
| Start Date | 01 January 2020 | |
| End Date | 01 August 2020 | |
| Duration | ENA months | |
| Total Grant Value | £262,021 | |
| Industrial Sectors | Energy | |
| Region | London | |
| Programme | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Investigators | Principal Investigator | Project Contact , National Grid Gas Transmission (99.996%) |
| Other Investigator | Project Contact , Wales and West Utilities (0.001%) Project Contact , National Grid Gas Transmission (99.996%) Project Contact , Northern Gas Networks (0.001%) Project Contact , Cadent Gas (0.001%) Project Contact , SGN (0.001%) |
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| Industrial Collaborator | Project Contact , National Grid Gas Transmission (0.000%) |
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| Web Site | https://smarter.energynetworks.org/projects/NIA_NGGT0156 |
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| Objectives | The execution approach for the proposed feasibility study is as follows:Assess GD Networks potential for hydrogen recovery in the selected geographical region using technical GIS mapping format: Undertake a study to identify a suitable GDN region as a representation of a typical geographical study area Map pressure let down locations and pipelines across the NTS and the >7 bar Distribution Network (based on network data to be provided by GDN / National Grid) Assess available pressure differential to drive hydrogen recovery, operational parameters, flow condition Assess potential geographical demand profiles against differing end-users (transport, heat, industry and power generation) Identify viable locations for hydrogen deblending across the NTS and GD Network in the region Hydrogen recovery technology review and configuration against identified case studies for range of hydrogen / methane blends, pressures, demand loads and differing hydrogen purity requirements Identification of de-blending applications and their functional requirements Initial vendor engagement and enquiries Develop preliminary process models Identify technology performance, scale-ability / high level costs A technology selection matrix will be developed, showing the range of application of each separation technology membrane, cryogenic, PSA, electrochemical, and combinations thereof for the range of inlet and outlet hydrogen concentrations and extremes of conditions. A workshop meeting will be held in Week 5 to agree two options to be taken forward for concept design development as case studies, one for NTS location and one for GD network location. Develop concept designs for selected hydrogen recovery options, including: Process flow diagram Heat & material balance Utility schedule Equipment list / sizing Plot / equipment layout Interface schedule A hazard assessment and construction feasibility assessment will be performed, initially as a desk-top exercise.For the identified case studies, and based on the developed concept designs, undertake techno-economic review comprising: Develop +/- 40% cost estimates for CAPEX and OPEX Identify cost per/kg for hydrogen recovery Develop Level 1 project schedule Review at high-level the potential timescales for deployment and roll-out Identify and scope demonstration project to demonstrate technology at scaleReview and identify requirements for developing a demonstration project, assessing the requirements for scale up and associated technical risks, and potential demonstration projects and associated benefits, and potential to access NIC funding.Based on this, a review meeting will be held with stakeholders to agree the proposed demonstration project, and a scope of work of the project will be developed, together with a summary of the benefits.Stakeholder analysis/reviewFollowing analysis of the key stakeholders in hydrogen blending / de-blending, a workshop meeting will be held to get feedback on the draft final report and the suitability of the proposed demonstration project scope and objectives.Report on study findingsA report will be produced to report on the study findings, to include an assessment of the anticipated benefits of the de-blending concept in the context of a roll-out of hydrogen in transport, heat, industry and power.Peer review of the study outputs An independent peer review of the study outputs will be conducted. As recommended by Cadent, it is proposed this is performed by Dr Jamie Speirs of ImperialCollege. If implemented with relatively low concentrations, less than 20 mol% hydrogen, this strategy of storing and delivering renewable energy to markets appears to be viable without significantly increasing risks associated with utilisation of the gas blend in end-use devices (such as household appliances), overall public safety, or the durability and integrity of the existing natural gas pipeline network. However, the transition of the GT and distribution networks from <20% to 100% hydrogen, as required to meet the governments net zero commitment is still unclear. Current modelling indicates that regional hydrogen economies will develop around hydrogen production facilities (due to the availability of low-cost hydrogen at scale). However, the locations for low cost hydrogen production (via reforming technologies) is limited due to the requirement for suitable geological conditions for carbon storage.A possible solution identified to address transportation of low-cost hydrogen to accommodate the development of hydrogen economies across the UK demographic is the ability to utilise the GT and distribution networks to transport hydrogen / methane blends within the existing UK gas system and deblend the mixed gas streams at scale on a regional basis. If proved to be technically and economically feasible the concept could provide a credible pathway to achieving the transition from <20% hydrogen / methane blends to a fully decarbonised gas network, whilst providing the added optionality for sensitive customers requiring a 100% methane during the transitional phase to a fully decarbonised gas network.Critically, this method of distributing low carbon hydrogen would allow certain sensitive consumers, such as a CCGT power stations, to continue to receive a steady supply of natural gas without disruption to the transition of the gas network. Other consumers, such as early adopters of low carbon hydrogen, will conversely be able to receive a hydrogen gas stream. Therefore, this technology maintains optionality for consumers during the transition to a low carbon gas network. The objectives for this project are to assess the technical and economical feasibility of scale deblending of mixed hydrogen / methane gas streams utilising the inherent pressure differential with the UK GT and distribution networks. | |
| Abstract | National Grid, and the GD networks intend to evaluate, develop and demonstrate concept of implementing hydrogen blending and point-of-use separation (deblending). | |
| Publications | (none) |
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| Final Report | (none) |
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| Added to Database | 14/12/22 | |
