Centrica and National Gas have achieved a UK first by successfully blending hydrogen into the National Transmission System (NTS) and generating electricity from it at Centrica’s Brigg Power Station in Lincolnshire.
The landmark trial saw National Gas inject a 2% blend of green hydrogen into the NTS, which was then used to produce electricity directly for the power grid.
The trial marks a key milestone in demonstrating that British power stations can safely and effectively use hydrogen blends, particularly those providing flexible backup when renewable output is low.
The results confirm hydrogen blending as both technically and operationally viable, representing a practical step toward the target of achieving Clean Power by 2030.
Beyond its role in clean energy generation, hydrogen blending could strengthen the hydrogen economy by stimulating investment, supporting new jobs and advancing decarbonisation of the gas grid.
The trial comes as the Government consults on allowing up to 2% hydrogen blending in the national gas network to encourage market growth and supply chain confidence.
Chris O’Shea, Group Chief Executive of Centrica, said: “This successful trial marks a significant milestone in the development of the UK’s hydrogen economy – an essential piece of the puzzle in the UK’s journey to a low carbon, homegrown energy system.
“Not only does this enhance our energy security, it also ensures we can power the UK when the sun doesn’t shine and the wind doesn’t blow.”
National Gas Chief Executive Jon Butterworth added: “It’s another crucial milestone on Britain’s hydrogen journey, showing how blending can fuel our power stations and unlock new investment opportunities for producers.
“By using our existing National Gas infrastructure, pipes that have reliably served Britain for decades, we can power the next era of clean British energy and industry.”
Gary Smith, General Secretary of the GMB Union, called the project “a significant moment for our country’s energy future,” adding that it demonstrates the potential for hydrogen to create “highly skilled unionised jobs in working class communities.”
Brigg breakthrough: hydrogen gas blending works appeared first on Energy Live News.