Ineos has started a trial to transport hydrogen into the gas grid via a decommissioned pipeline in Scotland.
The chemicals giant has teamed up with SGN for the scheme, which aims to determine how the existing natural gas network can be repurposed for hydrogen.
Funded by Ofgem and gas distribution companies, the trial will use an 18 mile decommissioned pipeline between Ineos Grangemouth and Granton.
The trial is ultimately aimed at improving understanding of existing pipeline networks and their suitability to deliver hydrogen as a clean alternative to natural gas to homes and businesses.
It comes as SGN hopes to blend hydrogen into the gas network, with proposals mooted for Aberdeen as a test site.
In the British Energy Security Strategy, published last month, the UK Government said it would take a final investment decision on blending up to 20% hydrogen into the country’s gas grid.
SGN director of Energy Futures Gus Mcintosh said: “Our Local Transmission System is part of the national critical infrastructure that reaches millions of homes and businesses across the UK. So, repurposing it for hydrogen could support a hydrogen system transformation that is least cost and least disruptive to customers.”
It comes after Ineos announced in January its plans to build a low-carbon hydrogen plant at Grangemouth as part of its commitment to go net zero by 2045.
Andrew Gardner, chairman of Ineos Grangemouth, added, “We are delighted to be partnering with SGN in a trial that will help determine how the UK’s transmission networks can be repurposed for hydrogen gas.
“We believe that Grangemouth is the ideal location in Scotland to create a hub for hydrogen production, use and export.”
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