The UK’s leading utilities infrastructure partner, GTC, is working with Kiwa Energy to launch a first-of-its-kind 100% hydrogen supply pipeline.
Working alongside other industry partners, GTC designed and constructed the 370m pipeline using 180mm PE80 pipe, which is typically used in low pressure gas distribution networks. The pipe delivers hydrogen to Kiwa Energy’s new testing laboratory in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.
Gas emergency and pipeline company, Wales & West Utilities, will provide the emergency service to the pipeline. This will be the first in the UK to use the same odorant as the natural gas distribution network.
There are trials currently underway across the country, but they only use 20% hydrogen with 80% methane.
Kiwa Energy plays a significant role in energy transformation and provides testing, inspection, certification, training, and consultancy across a multitude of sectors, including utilities.
There are several ways to produce hydrogen, and in this instance, Kiwa Energy is steam methane reforming gas from a local biomethane to grid facility. In this process, methane reacts with steam to produce hydrogen and carbon dioxide.
Kiwa Energy’s testing laboratory opened in September 2022 and GTC’s pipeline is supplying 100% hydrogen to the facility right now. The new lab showcases the possibilities available to other companies looking to convert their own facilities to 100% hydrogen usage.
