UK hydrogen blended gas project starts operation

The HyDeploy project to blend zero carbon hydrogen into the gas supply in the UK has become fully operational, it was announced on Thursday.

The HyDeploy pilot is injecting up to 20% of hydrogen into Keele University's existing natural gas network, which supplies 100 domestic properties and 30 faculty buildings. The 20% blend is the highest in Europe, together with a similar demonstration in France. The blend means that customers do not need to make any changes to their gas appliances or pipework and still reduce their carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

The GBP-7-million (USD 9.2m/EUR 8.4m) HyDeploy project, first announced in 2016, is funded by Ofgem and led by gas network Cadent, in partnership with Northern Gas Networks, Keele University, the Health and Executive (HSE) Science Division, hydrogen energy systems provider ITM Power (LON:ITM) and clean energy company Progressive Energy.

If a 20% hydrogen blend was rolled out across the UK it could reduce CO2 emissions by about 6 million tonnes annually, according to the statement.

HyDeploy utilises an electolyser provided by ITM Power that splits water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen.

Image Source: ITM Power plc; Source: renewablesnow.com