The Energy Networks Association (ENA) has launched a major new programme to support the gas industry's transition to net-zero carbon.

The Gas Goes Green programme will deliver the changes needed to move Britain's network of 284,000km of gas pipelines from delivering methane-based natural gas to zero carbon hydrogen and biomethane. The ENA says the move will ensure the country's gas network infrastructure is ready for households and businesses to switch to a new generation of hydrogen-ready boilers, to help meet the UK's climate change targets.

Gas Goes Green will be spearheaded by Chris Train, the UK’s first Green Gas Champion and the former Chief Executive of gas distribution network Cadent.

In its first phase, the programme will:

  • Agree and deliver a 17-step Hydrogen Transformation Plan for preparing Britain for a national gas boiler switchover scheme.
  • Undertake the technical and operational research necessary for the government to make changes to regulations for using hydrogen and renewable gases in the gas networks.
  • Agree and deliver the updated safety measures for running a zero carbon gas grid.
  • Make changes to connections to the gas grid, to make it easier for farmers and other businesses to feed in green gases like biomethane into the local gas grid.

The programme was welcomed by IGEM Chief Executive Neil Atkinson, who said: “Collectively, the UK gas industry is stating a clear intention to deliver the world’s first net-zero compliant network and IGEM has a crucial role to play in that transition. Our work to help open up the gas network to new sources could soon see the nation’s homes and businesses running off a multitude of new, greener gas sources.

“This is a pivotal moment for the gas industry and represents positive action towards real change and the delivery of the government’s net zero ambitions.”

IGEM will sit on the Gas Goes Green Programme Advisory Group for the project, which brings gas network operators together with civil servants, engineers and policy experts to solve the operational and technical issues associated with delivering a zero carbon gas grid.

To read the launch report in full, click here.