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.
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.”
Andrew Gardner, Chairman INEOS Grangemouth, said, “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.”
In January, INEOS announced the next step in its plans to build a world-scale low-carbon hydrogen plant at Grangemouth as it commits to being Net Zero by 2045.
This trial, will help improve an understanding of existing networks and the suitability to deliver hydrogen as a clean alternative to natural gas, to homes and businesses.
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.