Energy companies have taken a big step for the UK’s low-carbon goals by injecting green hydrogen into the country’s gas grid and using the mix to generate electricity. For the first time in the UK, a power station has run on a combination of hydrogen and traditional gas.
A 2% mix of green hydrogen was incorporated into the existing gas network and used to fuel the Brigg power station in North Lincolnshire, contributing electricity to the national grid. While hydrogen blending has previously been tested in controlled settings on retired sections of the gas transmission system, this event represents the UK’s first “real-life” deployment. Centrica, the parent company of British Gas, led the initiative together with National Gas, which runs the UK’s gas transmission network.
Experts say the trial shows real promise for hydrogen to cut carbon emissions, especially in areas where other low-carbon options aren’t practical. Green hydrogen is made by splitting water using electricity from renewable sources, and it produces very little emissions. Its application is widely considered pivotal for decarbonising energy-intensive industries, though debate continues over efficiency compared with electric heat pumps.
Gary Smith, general secretary of the GMB union, commented: “The success of this trial is a significant moment for our country’s energy future. It highlights the vital role that innovation across our industrial heartlands can play in creating highly skilled unionised jobs in working-class communities, an essential part of any credible plan to meet our net zero obligations.”
Centrica and National Gas are advocating for government approval of hydrogen blends of up to 5% in the UK’s gas system. Jon Butterworth, chief executive of National Gas, added: “It’s another crucial milestone on Britain’s hydrogen journey, showing how blending can fuel our power stations and unlock new investment opportunities for producers. By using our existing National Gas infrastructure, pipes that have reliably served Britain for decades, we can power the next era of clean British energy and industry. Working with industry and government, we’re proud to be leading this effort to make hydrogen a cornerstone of our energy system.”