Wood and SGN accelerate UK hydrogen plans

Wood is working with gas distribution company SGN to accelerate plans for key hydrogen transmission infrastructure in Scotland and southern England that will support the UK’s commitment to Net Zero by 2050.

Over the next 12 months, Wood will deliver three pre-FEED studies to determine the route and design of new dedicated hydrogen pipelines and associated transmission infrastructure.

The proposed concept also reuses existing natural gas infrastructure, which will connect hydrogen producers with energy consumers looking to use hydrogen to lower their carbon emissions.

The H2 Caledonia project combines two pre-FEED projects in Scotland’s Central Belt and the east coast of Fife. These projects will explore the development of low-carbon hydrogen production across Scotland and will be integrated with the ongoing Aberdeen Vision study, where Wood is also completing pre-FEED.

In the middle of southern England, the H2 Connect project will develop an optimal design to connect a hydrogen network in the area. The project will focus on hydrogen infrastructure and import development in the Southampton/Solent region, and future expansion plans for hydrogen production and storage.

Azad Hessamodin

Executive President Consulting at Woodsaid:

“These projects are critical to the UK and Scottish Governments commitments to reduce carbon emissions. We are excited to further develop our relationship with SGN, working together on these hydrogen projects that play a key role in decarbonising existing gas networks in the UK and providing sustainable, low-carbon fuel across the country.

“Wood plays a vital role in the development of the UK’s hydrogen infrastructure, leveraging our global hydrogen pipeline expertise as trusted technical advisors to deliver impactful projects that enable Britain’s net zero targets.”

Fergus Tickell

Hydrogen solutions lead at SGNsaid:

“To meet the respective net zero commitments of the UK and Scottish governments, the system transformation of the gas networks to 100% hydrogen offers customers and policymakers a potentially low-disruptive and cost-effective decarbonisation pathway for home heating and industry. The projects represent the continued preparation of our gas network to distribute greener alternatives to help meet the government’s net zero targets.

“H2 Caledonia and H2 Connect are key drivers in demonstrating how the gas industry can transport hydrogen safely and practically through its pipeline network, plus the strategic planning required for system transformations, while retrofitting gas networks in an affordable and practical way that continuity guarantees security of supply to consumers and companies.”