National Grid granted funding to investigate emissions capture technology
National Grid has been granted funding as part of the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) competition to investigate potential solutions for the reduction of emissions from compressor equipment on the National Transmission System (NTS).??
Across the NTS, gas losses occur for various reasons, including planned and emergency venting or through unforeseen emissions. These losses are classified as fugitive or venting emissions. Innovative technological solutions are becoming available for the first time, which will allow these gas releases to be captured, dramatically reducing overall emissions.
Previous innovation projects have demonstrated that several of these technologies could provide viable and deployable solutions to minimise these gas losses. National Grid Gas Transmission successfully delivered a pre-feasibility study to identify the role that these technologies could play in a future ‘low loss’ NTS.
Alongside Project Environmental Solutions Limited (PESL) and Mott MacDonald, National Grid has been awarded ￡144,782 for a follow-up Discovery phase project. This is the first of three potential phases and will review the available technology solutions, conduct a technical and safety engineering evaluation of each solution, and review their compliance with National Grid standards, to be able to select one to take forward as part of the potential future project phases.
The identified solutions are potentially suitable for installation as new build kit or could be retrofitted to existing equipment. However, while in some cases these technologies are undergoing pilot trials, none are being conducted on the NTS or its associated assets.
The project, if successful, will support in the discovery of viable emissions reduction solutions and will help to demonstrate the real-life utilisation and success of such a solution on the NTS. Reducing these emissions and paving the way for a carbon free gas network is essential if the UK is to meet its net zero target. ?
Jemma Prydderch, Project Manager at PESL, said “PESL is excited to be involved with the next stage of the CH4RGE methane emissions reduction programme, having supported its development from initial concept into one of National Grid’s flagship Net Zero transition projects. SIF Discovery funding will lay the groundwork for a pilot plant capable of capturing methane emissions on a live gas transmission compressor station; from there, a wider roll out of CH4RGE technology on the transmission network will deliver significant reductions in methane emissions.”
Nick Teear, Gas and Fuels Account Lead at Mott MacDonald, said: “We’re proud and excited to be working on this ambitious CH4RGE emissions capture technology project which will support National Grid in delivering a carbon-free gas network strategy as we transition to a low carbon economy. Our innovative gas, hydrogen and power technical experts will work closely with National Grid, PESL and other stakeholders to offer viable solutions for the reduction of emissions from compressor equipment on the National Transmission System in aid of the UK reaching its net zero targets.”
This project is funded by energy network users and consumers through the Strategic Innovation Fund, a programme from the UK’s independent energy regulator Ofgem, managed in partnership with Innovate UK.
About the Strategic Innovation Fund:?the purpose of Ofgem’s Strategic Innovation Fund is to support network innovation that will contribute to achieving Net Zero rapidly and at lowest cost; deliver real net benefits to network companies, energy users and consumers; and help the UK to become a ‘Silicon Valley’ of energy. It aims to work with other public funders of innovation so that activities appropriately funded by energy users and consumers are coordinated with activities funded by Government. The Fund is delivered in partnership with Innovate UK.
About Ofgem: Ofgem is Britain’s independent energy regulator. Their role is to protect consumers now and in the future by working to deliver a greener, fairer energy system. They do this by:
???????Working with Government, industry and consumer groups to deliver a net zero economy at the lowest cost to consumers
???????Stamping out sharp and bad practice, ensuring fair treatment for all consumers, especially the vulnerable.
???????Enabling competition and innovation, which drives down prices and results in new products and services for consumers.
About Innovate UK: Innovate UK is the UK’s innovation agency, part of UK Research and Innovation. It drives productivity and economic growth by supporting businesses to develop and realise the potential of new ideas, including those from the UK’s world-class research base.
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