Engineering and consulting group Wood has been awarded a five-year contract by National Grid to provide controls and metering upgrades for its UK gas transmission assets, and to review hydrogen blending in the gas network.
Wood says it will support digitalisation projects, identify and implement technologies to update equipment, upgrade control systems and measurement, and enhance cybersecurity across the UK gas transmission network.
With more than 80% of Britain’s homes heated by gas, and 40% of electricity generation derived from gas-fired power, maintaining this infrastructure is essential keep the network running and to maintain secure and reliable gas supplies.
In particular, gas compressor and gas measurement stations help to maintain the pressure, gas quality and flowrate as stipulated by National Grid and Ofgem.
Expanding its footprint in utilities, Wood says its expertise will enable National Grid’s systems to operate more efficiently, enhancing gas measurement and reducing carbon emissions. In line with the net-zero target, National Grid is also aiming to lower its direct emissions to net zero by 2050.
As part of the contract the group will also – where required – review the potential future introduction of hydrogen to the network by National Grid, for either blended (with natural gas) or 100% hydrogen.
Wood said it would identify any associated risks and mitigations required for accurate flow measurement, system performance and equipment maintenance.
The framework approach was adopted by National Grid to meet RIIO T2 (Revenue using Incentives to deliver Innovation and Outputs) price control requirements, which govern high voltage electricity transmission networks and high-pressure gas transmission networks. The current scheme runs for five years, from 2021-26.
German Carmona, President of Wood’s Applied Intelligence business, said the company was “delighted” to begin a new partnership with National Grid.
“This award allows us to leverage our cutting-edge digital tools and domain expertise in intelligent operations and maintenance solutions to support National Grid in their journey to achieving carbon neutrality,” she continued.
She added that the contract win would position the company for “continued growth” in the UK energy sector.
The contract award follows news last week that Wood was considering options regarding its built environment consulting business, which holds a 7,000-strong workforce based in North America and the UK.
The Aberdeen-headquartered energy services giant said it would conduct a “strategic review” of the segment, which could include a sale, splitting the business out, a partial sale or retaining it.
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