Wales & West Utilities has received the green light from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) to inject gas containing up to 1% hydrogen into its gas network in Swindon, the first time that they have permitted natural gas with an elevated hydrogen level to be used in the national network.

The gas emergency and pipeline service is working with ABSL, which will inject Bio-substitute Natural Gas (BioSNG) into the existing gas network at their plant in Swindon. This will reduce the carbon emissions by up to 5,000 t for almost 2,500 local homes immediately. The BioSNG produced at the plant will have a hydrogen content up to 1.0 %.

The plant is expected to start injecting BioSNG into the grid in October.

This builds on Wales & West Utilities commitment to prepare the gas network to transport green gases like hydrogen and biomethane – which supports the decarbonization of home heating, heavy industry, businesses and transport. Earlier this year the company joined with Britain’s other gas network companies, as part of Energy Networks Association’s plan — Britain’s Hydrogen Network Plan — which set out the detail of the activity to turn Britain’s hydrogen ambitions into reality – including working towards blending up to 20% hydrogen into local gas grids by 2023 and converting villages to run on 100% hydrogen by 2025.