The School of Engineering has received a grant from Ofgem’s Strategic Innovation Funding (SIF), totalling £43.7 million, for a research project in hydrogen gas networks.
This research, conducted in collaboration with Cardiff University’s Gas Turbine Research Centre, seeks to transform hydrogen compression and use within the national gas transmission system, a critical component in achieving the Government’s net zero ambitions.
The initiative will develop a micro-scale, high-pressure gas network powered by hydrogen. It features a novel compression method using a modified gas turbine, adapted to suit hydrogen.
The project brings together a consortium that includes Cardiff University, National Gas Transmission, Siemens Energy, DNV Services UK, Cullum Detuners Ltd, Northern Gas Networks, Southern Gas Networks, and Premtech.
Ofgem’s funding is allocated in three stages: the initial phase evaluates the project’s feasibility; the second focuses on in-depth design and development; and the final Beta phase is dedicated to constructing a demonstrator. Cardiff University has participated in other SIF projects with National Gas Transmission, but this is the first to progress to the Beta phase.
The School of Engineering’s team comprises Dr. Daniel Pugh, Prof. Phil Bowen, and Prof. Richard Marsh, along with a dedicated researcher and a Ph.D. student.
Senior Lecturer and Principal Investigator Daniel Pugh commented, “This project provides an exciting opportunity to make crucial progress for the use of hydrogen in the National Gas Transmission System – essential for meeting our net zero targets.
“Cardiff University’s Gas Turbine Research Centre will work with project partners to support the development and repurposing of existing physical assets for this challenging new fuel. We are excited to see the project develop and would like to thank Ofgem for the funding.”
Tom Neal, FutureGrid Programme Manager, stated: “This funding is key to help FutureGrid demonstrate that hydrogen is a safe and viable option for the future of the UK’s energy supply. Not only is this resource more sustainable it is also a cleaner option over traditional fuel sources. This research is a fundamental step on National Gas Transmission’s journey to net zero.”
The project commenced in September 2023 and is set to run for 40 months, concluding in December 2026.
Funding for this project comes from energy network users and consumers through the Strategic Innovation Fund, a programme managed by the UK’s independent energy regulator Ofgem in partnership with Innovate UK.
