Ofgem, the UK's energy regulator, has granted regulatory approval for gas distribution company SGN to move forward with its groundbreaking hydrogen project. This innovative initiative involves converting decommissioned gas pipelines into conduits for transporting hydrogen gas.

A significant milestone in the project was achieved through the successful testing of a 30-kilometre pipeline between Grangemouth and Granton in Scotland. This testing marks an essential step towards decarbonizing various sectors, including industry, transportation, and heating, by repurposing existing gas infrastructure for hydrogen use.

The LTS Futures project, with a budget of £30 million, aims to verify the compatibility of the local transmission system (LTS) with hydrogen gas. This transformation of the gas infrastructure into hydrogen pipelines is a vital strategy in achieving the country's decarbonization goals.

Rebecca Pickett, Ofgem Head of Future Gas Policy, Networks, expressed support for SGN's progress and acknowledged the significance of exploring innovative solutions for decarbonizing the energy sector.

Gemma Simpson, SGN Director of LTS Futures, highlighted the significance of offsite trials to test new connection procedures, including the first-ever live welding procedure on a hydrogen pipeline. The successful completion of these trials will pave the way for a live trial in 2024, delivering a blueprint for repurposing the LTS network in Great Britain, contributing to decarbonization efforts and supporting the country's net-zero goals.