Working with infrastructure solutions company, Costain, the commissioned study will form a key part of the energy transition puzzle for industrial and commercial (I&C) gas users across Wales and the south west of England
Wales & West Utilities (WWU) is embarking on exciting research to support business and industry customers to operate on a greener basis through decarbonising their operations. The work, supported by the well-renowned infrastructure solutions company, Costain, will examine the potential of introducing a blend of hydrogen into the energy mix as one solution of a wider puzzle to move to lower carbon emissions.
This in-depth investigation is an important part of the commitment of the gas distribution company to transport greener fuel to those industrial and commercial customers who require high temperatures to carry out their operations and who cannot rely on electrification alone.
Research into the role of hydrogen, and the potential for blending solutions in the gas network, is a key part of providing the evidence to drive forward the UK’s net zero ambitions and reaching national targets of generating 10GW of hydrogen production capacity by 2030.
The assessment is expected to establish the market’s current level of understanding around hydrogen refuelling plans and users’ preferred ways to decarbonise their operations, such as through Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage solutions or using a hydrogen network.
The research will also geographically map users and help WWU understand which customers will need additional support to ensure that the transition to hydrogen blending does not impact their operations.
Matthew Hindle, Head of Net Zero and Sustainability at Wales & West Utilities, added:
“At Wales & West Utilities, we own and maintain over 35,000km of pipes, much of which can be re-used for hydrogen. We serve 7.5 million homes and businesses across Wales and the south west of England, many of whom will need the high power and temperatures offered by hydrogen to continue their operations in a way that is cost-effective and efficient.
“Studies like this help plug the gap in terms of awareness around hydrogen, as well as providing crucial evidence to include it as a low-carbon alternative to natural gas. We look forward to working with Costain to deliver this important project.”
Laura Hughes, Energy Sector Director at Costain, commented:
“To make decarbonisation of the UK a reality, a mix of clean fuels will be required to meet increasing energy demands. Integrating hydrogen into our gas network, either through blending or full conversion, will be instrumental in providing clean, reliable energy for 2050 and beyond.“Through this important study, Wales & West Utilities will have a good understanding of market requirements, and this will help accelerate the UK’s decarbonisation mission. With our long track record of delivering pioneering and innovative solutions to reduce carbon emissions, we are well placed to provide to WWU with the insights they need to implement viable fuel switching plans for their customers.”
WWU has partnered with Costain on a range of decarbonisation projects, including conducting a separate study exploring how hydrogen refuelling stations could be integrated into the UK’s existing gas network to enable the growth of hydrogen in transport.