ENERGY MATTERS Hydrogen Insight from Kiwa Gastec

Transcription

1 ENERGY MATTERS Hydrogen Insight from Kiwa Gastec REDUCING OUR CARBON EMISSIONS IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST ISSUES FACING THE UK AND WE HAVE SOME TOUGH TARGETS TO MEET. What many people don t realise, however, is that our heating system accounts for over 30 per cent of those carbon emissions. So, it follows that if we can decarbonise the heat sector, we ll go a long way to reaching our overall carbon reduction targets. We ve recently played an integral role in the development of a series of reports investigating the feasibility of converting our gas network from natural gas to hydrogen which produces zero carbon emissions at point of use. As with electricity, quantifying the carbon emissions from the whole supply chain is more complex, but even in comparison to natural gas we envisage a 75% reduction in CO 2 emissions. Our team of experts have worked alongside the likes of Northern Gas Networks, KPMG and Government advisors to create a whole picture view of what conversion would entail. From our unique stand point of having been involved in all aspects of the research, we can say with certainty that conversion is technically feasible and I m delighted to share some of our findings with you. If you would like to know more about our work in this field, please don t hesitate to get in touch. Mark Crowther - Technical Director

2 KIWA HYDROGEN EXPERTISE Changing energy for good. We re proud to have played a central role in the work carried out to investigate the feasibility of converting the UK s heat sector to hydrogen. Our team has not only co-ordinated the various partners involved, we ve also been responsible for undertaking the technical feasibility work and general review of a series of reports which, together, make the case for conversion to hydrogen. The Kiwa Gastec team played a vital role in the H21 Leeds City Gate project and their expertise in the gas utilisation sector was integral to its success. There is a major opportunity for our country to become a world leader in hydrogen technology and decarbonisation. Through dedication, drive and commitment across the UK gas industry supply chain we can collectively help make this a reality. Dan Sadler, Project Manager, H21 Leeds City Gate

3 HYDROGEN REPORTS Converting the UK s heat sector to hydrogen. Heating Homes with Hydrogen: As part of a 25m Feasibility study, Arup and Kiwa Gastec have been appointed by BEIS to explore the potential for using hydrogen to heat UK homes Energy Scenarios: Alongside KPMG we looked at the bigger picture, assessing the financial benefits of a change to hydrogen over other low carbon forms of energy. H21 Leeds City Gate: Working closely with Northern Gas Networks and Amec Foster Wheeler, we provided a technical, environmental, and economic analysis of the concept of using Leeds as a pilot location for conversion, clearly demonstrating the benefits of decarbonising the existing gas distribution network. Gas Distribution Company: We assessed the feasibility of creating a hydrogen generation and distribution system to inject hydrogen into local gas distribution networks. HyHouse: We tested the safety implications of using hydrogen in homes in conjunction with DECC (now BEIS) and SSE. Hydrogen Appliances: Working on behalf of DECC we investigated the commercial appetite and technical challenges of manufacturing domestic hydrogen appliances. HyDeploy: We are part of the National Grid HyDeploy team looking at injecting up to 20%v/v of hydrogen to the private gas grid at Keele University. Hydrogen Injection into Gas Grids: We carried out a study for the IEA Greenhouse Gas Programme. Links to these reports and more can be found on our website:

4 MEET OUR TEAM OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERS Mark Crowther, Technical Director Iain Summerfield, Operations Manager An internationally renowned chemical engineer with decades of experience in the field of gas consultancy, Mark led the team involved in the hydrogen project. Iain is responsible for the technical output of the Kiwa environmental consultancy team and was heavily involved in the feasibility work underlying the various hydrogen-related reports. James Verlaque, Commercial Manager Paul McLaughlin, Principal Consultant James has provided technical services and consultancy at all levels in the energy industry with compliance and safety experience on fuel cell systems and hydrogen fuelled combustion plant. With extensive experience in technical support to hydrogen production, other synthesis gases and operation of high hazard chemical plants, Paul now leads hydrogen and gas consultancy studies.

5 IAIN SUMMERFIELD GIVES US HIS VIEW Q&A with the Operations Manager. How likely is a conversion to hydrogen? We now know that conversion is technically feasible. We also believe that there is the will within the industry to make it happen - we know first-hand from the conversations we ve been having that people are paying real attention to the evidence base we ve established and they re excited about it. What needs to happen next to make it a reality? We need a backdrop of both certainty and incentive and that can really only be created by a political decision. Government needs to demonstrate a serious commitment to this on a national scale. What benefits could conversion to hydrogen bring? We have a heritage of leading technology developments in the UK and nowhere else in Europe is as far down the line as we are on this. If the Leeds pilot project goes ahead, we would become the hydrogen capital of the world and the north of England could be totally re-energised, literally and metaphorically. It would have huge knock-on economic benefits for the country.

6 About Kiwa Gastec Kiwa Gastec is a practical energy management and low carbon consultancy. We are recognised internationally for our technical expertise and knowledge of energy in most of its forms: solid fuel, gas, oil and renewable (hydrogen, biomass, solar, wind, heat pumps). We also specialise in fuel cell power, mchp and vehicle refuelling systems. We test, inspect, train, certify and consult for multinationals, manufacturers, government bodies, SMEs, trade bodies and hospitals. We are preparing two new hydrogen training courses Hydrogen and the Natural Gas Network for professionals working in the gas supply and appliance industries, and a hydrogen course for installers of domestic gas appliances. Get in touch to find out more enquiries@kiwa.co.uk Kiwa UK - Cheltenham, Gloucestershire