Wales & West Utilities (WWU) is advancing its hydrogen innovation programme with a new project which will explore how the existing gas network can be used to support future hydrogen refuelling infrastructure – a move that could significantly reduce costs.
Building on the findings of WWU’s HyDrive report, which identified strategic locations for hydrogen refuelling stations (HRS) across its network, the latest project will assess both the technical and economic feasibility of using the gas network to supply hydrogen directly to vehicles.
The project will consider fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and hydrogen internal combustion engines (ICEs) - both of which are emerging as key solutions for reducing emissions in heavy-duty transport.
In 2024, WWU trialled a Hydrogen FCEV in partnership with First Hydrogen. This showed the impressive performance of a hydrogen vehicle in front-line operations, especially when operating in colder temperatures.
Stephen Offley, Net Zero Transport Lead at Wales & West Utilities, said:
“Hydrogen offers a clean, scalable alternative to diesel, especially for commercial vehicles that are hard to decarbonise – HGVs, long-distance coaches, vans and buses with challenging duty cycles.
“By using our existing gas infrastructure, we can make hydrogen refuelling more accessible and cost-effective.
“We are already using electric vehicles as part of our fleet decarbonisation efforts, but have also been exploring how hydrogen FCEVs can help meet heavier-duty cycle demands that BEV cannot, both now and in the foreseeable future. Towing capacity and sufficient on-board energy storage to power a wide range of tools and equipment on site are essential for us to carry out our 24/7 emergency gas services.”
The study will investigate:
- Hydrogen purity standards and the impact of contaminants on vehicle performance and safety
- Pressure, compression and chilling needs for refuelling at 350 and 700 bar
- Storage and purification systems to meet regulatory and operational requirements
- Network capacity and safety implications, including COMAH compliance
The project will involve WWU working with a wide range of stakeholders, including vehicle and engine manufacturers, motorway service operators, trade associations, and local authorities, to ensure the blueprint reflects real-world operational needs and supports future transport demand.
By repurposing parts of the existing gas network to deliver hydrogen directly via pipelines, the project aims to reduce costs whilst maximising efficiency compared with transporting hydrogen by road and/or rail, whilst demonstrating the potential role of gas networks in enabling transport of hydrogen at scale.
This initiative is funded by Ofgem’s Network Innovation Allowance and supports WWU’s wider sustainability strategy, including its Vision for 2050 and Regional Decarbonisation Pathways.
By integrating hydrogen refuelling into the gas network, WWU is helping to unlock the potential of hydrogen as a low-carbon fuel and support the UK’s transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy future.