Britain’s gas network companies have invested millions in innovative projects designed to decarbonise the energy system, a new report has revealed.
Over the course of 2024/25, gas networks collectively invested almost £13 million across 48 innovation projects, driving progress towards a decarbonised energy system. 75% of projects focused on Net Zero and the energy transition, including initiatives centred around low carbon gases such as hydrogen and biomethane.
The data has been collated by the UK gas networks’ representative body, Future Energy Networks (FEN) in this years’ Annual Innovation Summary. This document details how Britain’s five gas networks – Cadent, Northern Gas Networks (NGN), SGN, Wales & West Utilities (WWU) and National Gas – are adopting innovative solutions to strengthen system resilience, enhance customer experience, safeguard customers in vulnerable situations and support progress towards Net Zero.
Key innovation projects featured in the report include:
- Digital Platform for Leakage Analytics (DPLA): Using technologies including vehicle mounted leak detectors, ultrasonic imaging cameras and fixed sensors, Cadent are using advanced analytics and machine learning to detect and prevent gas leaks in real time.
- Smart Pressure Control: Engineered to increase biomethane capacity all year-round, WWU’s trials are autonomously managing fluctuations in biomethane demand. By addressing the critical issue of network pressures, this solution could facilitate the carbon displacement of over 100,000 tonnes of CO2e annually.
- Scaling Hydrogen with Nuclear Energy: Exploring how nuclear power can produce low-cost hydrogen through flexible electrolysis, NGN and WWU are supporting future small modular reactor deployment and regional clean energy growth.
- LTS Futures: SGN are running a world-first project proving a 30 km pipeline can safely carry 100% hydrogen.
- HyNTS Programme & Project Union: Demonstrating how Britain’s transmission network can be repurposed for hydrogen using FutureGrid facilities, National Gas are building the evidence base for a national hydrogen backbone.
Alongside this major investment in innovation, the report also details how gas networks have collectively hosted or attended over 60 innovation industry events to strengthen collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Commenting, FEN’s Senior Manager, Nolan Robertson said: “From using cutting edge technology to detect gas leaks to finding new ways to increase green gas transportation capacity, this report illustrates how networks are harnessing innovation to accelerate decarbonisation.
“These achievements demonstrate how our members aren’t just keeping pace with the energy transition – they’re leading it. Networks remain committed to ensuring that our world class gas infrastructure evolves to meet Net Zero while continuing to deliver safe, affordable energy for consumers.”