Hydrogen | Future Grid, Compression
This programme focuses primarily on existing National Transmission System (NTS) customers
such as power stations and industrial customers.
Compressors are essential for maintaining the flow of gas throughout the NTS and ensuring
security of supply for the UK. The FutureGrid Compression project will demonstrate that an
existing compressor system can be repurposed to operate with hydrogen blends of up to 20%
with minimal changes and also 100% hydrogen following strategic modifications. Demonstrating
that existing assets can be repurposed rather than replaced will ensure that National Gas Transmission
(NGT) is able to rely upon its existing fleet as much as possible, whilst awaiting policy decisions on
hydrogen blends and 100% hydrogen.
The FutureGrid Compression project will relocatean existing compressor system to Spadeadam
and build a 1km pipe loop around it, to carry out testing operations with hydrogen blends up to 20%.
The compressor will then be replaced with a new compressor and gearbox to enable it operate with
100% hydrogen. In addition to this the Gas Turbine used to provide drive for the compressor will be
tested separately at Siemens Energy/RWG’s Ansty facility, to demonstrate the capability of the Gas
Turbine to operate with hydrogen blends up to 20% and also 100% hydrogen. The data and learning
gained from this project will provide essential technical and safety evidence which will be used to
support NGT’s safety case updates and engineering decisions made as part of Project Union. In addition,
the project will also provide economical evidence supporting any investment decisions made as part
of Project Union
Hydrogen Networks
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