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the hot 100

develop new 100 per cent hydrogen gas
distribution networks.
Let us delve into the project in
a bit more detail. The compliance
framework will be based on multiple
elements (subprojects). These are
summarised in Table 2.
PE materials and jointing techniques
investigates a testing strategy,
methodology and delivery model,
aimed at evaluating the short and
long-term effects hydrogen has on
polyethylene pipes and fittings. This
element will deliver performance
criteria against which the integrity of
polyethylene and jointing techniques
can be verified.
Hydrogen characteristics examines estimation tool to allow the baseline relationships that will enable
the behaviour of leaked hydrogen hydrogen volumes necessary in operation of SGN’s 100 per cent
when it escapes uncontrolled terms of production, transportation, hydrogen demonstration network.
from the network above and below distribution and storage, and to Going forward it will also inform the
ground. The work involves physical evaluate plant footprint prior to starting enduring regulatory regime.
testing and the development of the feasibility and FEED studies. Transportation of debris in pipelines
mathematical models based around Safety case focuses on delivering will identify if dust problems are
typical gas release scenarios. It was a review of the relevant sections likely and whether there is the
designed to help develop SGN’s of GS(M)R and all associated SGN potential for dust to damage pipelines
level of understanding regarding policies, procedures and standards and equipment.
hydrogen and its distribution with with respect to constructing Risk assessment to compare the
particular emphasis on uncontrolled and operating the first hydrogen visibility of hydrogen and natural
gas escapes and releases. The built distribution network. Differences gas fires will produce a work
understanding will be compared to will be identified to enable the instruction that provides qualitative
the known natural gas behaviour and development of a safety case and advice concerning the relative risks
enable quantified risk assessments compliance framework that will of natural gas and hydrogen fires,
and procedures to be developed to ensure the safe construction and particularly regarding their visibility
support the emergency process. operation of the hydrogen network. and flame picture. The following
Hydrogen consequences examines Safety case review will allow for an projects complement the evidentiary
the impact resulting from the independent review of the safety base for H100 undertaken in
concentrations, movement, case delivered for H100 to endorse Workstream A.
accumulation, ignition sources, its validity. Hydrogen gas detection
energy required for ignition and Academic partnership will instrumentation will see a fit for
the probability of ignition from comprise an independent review purpose portable hydrogen
common appliances to the point of and assessment by scientists from detection instrument manufactured
and including detonation. Quantified the University of Edinburgh of the for use during the construction,
risk assessments will be produced, technical work and outputs from operation and maintenance of the
and they will advise on the suitability Workstream A elements. This process hydrogen network.
of the current emergency process will ensure that work done is robust Hydrogen excess flow valve
when applied to hydrogen gas. and can be relied upon to support the acknowledges that EFVs are a key
Fundamentally, the H100 project will safety case. safety feature of the current natural
only be deployed if hydrogen can Stakeholder strategy develops an gas network. The fitting of EFVs to
be assessed to be at least as safe as effective strategy to ensure seamless low pressure hydrogen services
natural gas. project delivery and to ensure all will reduce the risk of high volume
Odorant and gas detection aims to stakeholders understand the why, gas escapes into property. Overall,
identify an odorant suited to hydrogen how and when of the demonstration Workstream A and its supplementary
in terms of its pungent smell and network. This element ensures projects will give a comprehensive
residence time. Such odorant will that local, national and political and credible review to support the use
act as an early warning system to stakeholders are kept up to date with of hydrogen in distribution networks.
ensure that the hydrogen gas can developments in the project. The project is currently in Phase
be distributed following SGN’s and Metering validation will determine 1, during which the bulk of the
industry standards. This element the technical and commercial compliance framework is being
also examines existing portable gas suitability of current UK natural gas established and the feasibility and
detection instruments and assesses meters for use with hydrogen. FEED studies for the sites are underway.
their suitability with hydrogen. HyCORAL will seek to establish This phase will be completed in early
Hydrogen logistics aims to shed some new commercial arrangements to 2020, with the ambition for distribution
light on the logistics of construction support the project development. network design and planning taking
and operational requirements for This project is focused on the place in 2020, and construction due to
each site. This element produced an commercial and regulatory start in 2021 at the selected site.

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