The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched a new consultation exploring the potential for blending low-carbon hydrogen into Great Britain's gas transmission network.
Following previous consultations on hydrogen blending into local distribution networks, the government is now seeking views on whether introducing hydrogen at the transmission level the high-pressure National Transmission System (NTS) could offer strategic and economic value.
A Step Toward Net Zero
Hydrogen is seen as a key player in the UK's push to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Blending low-carbon hydrogen with natural gas could offer a transitional path, supporting early-stage hydrogen production while reducing the carbon intensity of the existing gas network.
DESNZ is currently evaluating whether to enable blending of up to 2% hydrogen by volume into the NTS. This small percentage could act as an "offtaker of last resort" for hydrogen producers providing a backup market when dedicated customers are not available.
Balancing Innovation with Risk
The consultation outlines both the potential benefits and challenges. While hydrogen blending could support the growth of the hydrogen economy and help manage electricity system constraints, it also raises concerns for industrial users connected to the transmission system. Many of these users rely on stable, high-quality gas supplies, and even a 2% hydrogen blend could affect equipment performance, increase costs, or require infrastructure upgrades.
Studies cited in the consultation show that most transmission-connected users could technically handle a 2% blend with minimal changes, though feasibility studies and equipment modifications may still be necessary. At higher blends (5% or 20%), the risks and costs escalate significantly.
Cross-Border Considerations
The UK's ability to blend hydrogen is also influenced by developments in the EU. Under the EU Hydrogen and Decarbonised Gas Market Package, Member States can blend up to 2% hydrogen by volume, but are not required to do so. This creates potential interoperability issues with the UK's gas interconnectors to Ireland, Belgium, and the Netherlands especially if hydrogen blends exceed that threshold.
Have Your Say
DESNZ invites responses from a wide range of stakeholders including hydrogen producers and users, gas transporters and shippers, storage operators, investors, and academics. The consultation is open to all and aims to inform future government policy, including whether blending should be enabled and if so, how it might be implemented and supported.
