A VISIT to a pioneering test site is helping shape the future of the UK’s energy system.
The National Energy System Operator (NESO) toured the FutureGrid facility at the DNV Spadeadam Research and Development Facility in Cumbria.
The visit supported NESO’s work to decarbonise the energy system.
FutureGrid, an offline test site using decommissioned gas transmission infrastructure, informs the development and design of Project Union – Britain’s national hydrogen network.
The FutureGrid facility (Image: Supplied)
It aims to demonstrate how existing gas pipelines could safely carry hydrogen as part of efforts to cut carbon emissions and develop alternative energy sources.
Julian Leslie, NESO’s strategic energy planning director and chief engineer, said: “Visiting FutureGrid was a very valuable experience for the NESO team, giving them the opportunity to see the sort of things which are possible when it comes to building Great Britain’s energy system of tomorrow.
“The scale and rigour of the work being done at FutureGrid is truly impressive.
“Seeing the testing infrastructure and capabilities up close gave the team a real insight into collaboration opportunities as NESO supports decarbonising the gas network.”
The FutureGrid visit (Image: Supplied)
FutureGrid is providing vital data and insights for NESO’s first Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP), which will outline long-term energy needs and the best locations for key infrastructure.
Katie Petherbridge, head of innovation at National Gas, said: “We were delighted to welcome NESO to FutureGrid, a high-pressure test facility at DNV Spadeadam.
“This essential facility is where we demonstrate that our existing gas pipelines and assets can operate safely with hydrogen.
“Hydrogen is a home-grown fuel that will bolster our energy security, support decarbonisation and secure critical industries’ future.
The FutureGrid visit (Image: Supplied)
“It’s a vital source of fuel to industries that cannot be electrified, such as glass, cement, steel, chemicals, refining and power generation.”
Gary Tomlin, head of department, laboratories and testing, UK and Ireland, energy systems at DNV, said: “Hosting representatives from NESO with our colleagues from National Gas at the Spadeadam Research and Development Facility was a great opportunity to showcase the scale and maturity of the work taking place across the FutureGrid programme.”
