The next phase of the HyDeploy project is set to begin in August, after being given the go-ahead by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
On 23 July, Northern Gas Networks (NGN) announced that Winlaton, Gateshead, will become the first community to receive hydrogen blending through the public natural gas network after the green light from the HSE. A 10-month pilot will see up to 20% hydrogen blending for 668 homes, a school and some small businesses. Customers will be able to use their gas supply and appliances as normal, with no changes needed to gas pipelines or pipework, due to current appliances being designed to operate with a blend of up to 23%.
HSE granted an exemption to HyDeploy for the current limit of a 0.1% hydrogen blend in the UK gas network after it gathered “extensive evidence” to demonstrate that the hydrogen blend will be as safe as natural gas.
The first phase of the project saw 100 homes and 30 commercial buildings on a closed network at Keele University successfully use the hydrogen blend for 18 months. HyDeploy is being delivered by a consortium that includes NGN, Cadent, Progressive Energy, Keele University and ITM Power.
