Energy companies in the UK have successfully introduced green hydrogen into the gas grid, marking a significant advancement in the nation’s climate objectives. For the first time, a blend of 2% green hydrogen was injected into the gas grid and used at the Brigg power station in North Lincolnshire to generate electricity.
Previous tests of hydrogen blending were conducted in controlled environments using decommissioned sections of the transmission system. This recent trial was executed by Centrica, the parent company of British Gas, and National Gas, which manages the country’s gas transmission system. The companies involved assert that the success of this trial demonstrates hydrogen’s potential to decrease harmful emissions in sectors where other low-carbon alternatives may not be feasible.
Green hydrogen is created by splitting water using renewable electricity, resulting in minimal emissions. It is often considered essential for decarbonizing energy-intensive industries, although there exist debates regarding its efficacy compared to other technologies, such as electricity-powered heat pumps.
Gary Smith, general secretary of the GMB union, characterized the trial’s success as pivotal for the UK’s energy landscape, emphasizing the role of innovation in creating skilled jobs within working-class communities as part of strategies to achieve net-zero emissions.
Centrica and National Gas have called on the government to support the integration of hydrogen blends up to 5% in the UK’s gas infrastructure. Jon Butterworth, CEO of National Gas, highlighted the trial as a critical milestone in the country’s hydrogen initiative, arguing that blending hydrogen can enhance power generation and attract investments.
The use of existing National Gas infrastructure is viewed as a way to transition towards cleaner energy and contribute to the UK’s energy future.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/oct/13/energy-firms-complete-uk-first-hydrogen-blending-trial-power-grid