A PIONEERING energy project to gather vital evidence about the suitability of the existing gas network to transport hydrogen is underway in the South Bank area of Teesside.
Northern Gas Networks (NGN) is using a network of existing natural gas mains to carry out standard gas operational procedures under 100 per cent hydrogen conditions for the first time.
The testing will take place on an area of disused land where gas pipes that once supplied homes on the site, while all still intact, are disconnected from the rest of the network.
The evidence gathered will be used to understand any changes needed for the potential conversion of the gas distribution network to transport clean burning hydrogen in the future.
The South Bank research is part of the H21 project, a major collaborative UK gas industry hydrogen programme led by NGN, to assess the suitability of the UK’s existing gas network to carry hydrogen.
The test site, located between Ann Street and Harcourt Road, was chosen because around 70 homes were demolished on the land over a decade ago.
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Neil Travers, H21 project manager for Northern Gas Networks said: “We believe this is a world first and we’re delighted to be in Teesside where there are already plans for hydrogen production and the potential of a wider hydrogen economy.”
In addition to testing network procedures, the project includes the installation of two domestic hydrogen boilers.
Jacob Young, Conservative MP for Redcar added: "This world-leading trial from NGN is putting Redcar on the map as a true pioneer for hydrogen.
"Teesside is clearly the epicentre for new hydrogen technologies in the UK, and it's fitting that our part of the world, which was at the forefront of the first Industrial Revolution, should lead our Green Industrial Revolution too."
NGN will now spend several months using the site to gather evidence and further understanding potential conversion of the gas network. Once the work is complete, the site will be restored to its current state.
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