Allan Simpson, Chief Technologist at Equilibrion, articulates the significant step forward of wider UK nuclear energy deployment:

“Nuclear-enabled hydrogen represents a powerful, yet largely untapped, opportunity to drive the UK’s journey to Net Zero at a significant scale and for the first time both the nuclear and hydrogen sectors can fully appreciate how working together can be a game-changer to the availability of low-cost electrolytic hydrogen and expand opportunities for organisations in both sectors”

“We are committed to enhancing the opportunities for collaboration between the hydrogen and nuclear sectors for mutual benefit and are delighted to be appointed by Northern Gas Networks and Wales & West Utilities to advance the role of nuclear energy in delivering scalable, low-carbon hydrogen through the existing gas infrastructure. This project supports the foundation for a sustainable energy transition, bringing clean energy and substantial socio-economic benefits to communities across the UK.”

Commenting on the project on behalf of WWU, Matthew Hindle, WWU’s Head of Net Zero & Sustainability said:

“We know that low carbon hydrogen needs to play an important role in supporting the UK’s energy transition – including blending into existing natural gas supplies, or in its pure form for industry, transport, electricity generation and homes. To reliably produce sufficient hydrogen to meet these demands, it will be vital to diversify production methods and increase the levels of firm capacity needed for predictable supply.

“We’re excited to work with Equilibrion and NGN to better understand how nuclear-enabled hydrogen can support gas customers through the energy transition, by providing reliable, scalable low-carbon hydrogen for supply into the UK gas networks. SHyNE can support the reuse and adaptation of existing infrastructure to reduce costs, while accelerating the energy transition and enhancing energy security.”

NGN Innovation Manager Lewis Kirkwood highlights the importance of projects like SHyNE in supporting the UK’s energy transition:

“Hydrogen can be a key enabler of accelerated decarbonisation for industry, transport and heat, and as an energy network it’s critical we understand all the angles for hydrogen production and what’s required to ready our infrastructure.

Network Innovation Allowance projects such as this are essential to unlocking the potential for hydrogen investment, to support the UK’s decarbonisation strategy and diversify its energy portfolio, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and shore up energy security.”

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