Centrica and HiiROC, supported by the Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC), have successfully demonstrated the injection of hydrogen into a gas-fired peak power plant at Centrica’s Brigg Energy Park, North Lincolnshire. The trial that took place last Thursday (11 September) marks a UK first in using hydrogen to decarbonise peak power generation supplying power directly to the electricity grid.

HiiROC’s modular hydrogen production technology, using Thermal Plasma Electrolysis (TPE), produced hydrogen on site which was then blended at a 3% ratio for the purposes of a one-hour trial.

The trial marks a further step forward in Centrica’s ongoing efforts to advance innovative solutions for the decarbonisation of its portfolio of gas plants, demonstrating that existing gas infrastructure can operate on a hydrogen blend to provide reliable, low carbon electricity to UK homes and businesses. More broadly, the trial shows a viable route for delivering on decarbonisation readiness obligations for peaker generation as part of the UK’s journey to net zero.

It is also a key milestone in HiiROC’s journey, demonstrating the effectiveness and affordability of HiiROC’s TPE process, which produces hydrogen without CO2 emissions, making it compliant with the UK’s Low Carbon Hydrogen Standard (LCHS). By leveraging the existing gas network and co-locating hydrogen production where it is needed, operators can decarbonise without costly new infrastructure.

Martin Scargill, Managing Director, Centrica Energy Storage + said:

“The success of this trial demonstrates the potential hydrogen has to reduce emissions and future proof flexible power generation such as our gas peaker plant at Brigg. As the UK looks to achieve its ambitious Clean Power 2030 targets, hydrogen has the potential to play a key whole system role in providing reliable, low carbon electricity to power UK homes and businesses when demand is at its highest.

I am proud of the work Centrica does in supporting the development of exciting, innovative technologies right here on the Humber that can help transform energy generation in the future.”

Tim Davies, Chief Executive of HiiROC said:

“We are thrilled with the success of the injection trial.  This achievement is a testament to the hard work of the joint team, and it brings us one step closer to delivering affordable, clean hydrogen, and provides a path to help achieve the UK’s ambitions for Clean Power in 2030 and beyond.”

Rebecca Allison, Chief Operating Officer, Net Zero Technology Centre:

“What was achieved at Brigg Energy Park represents a significant step towards industrial decarbonisation at scale. This UK-first trial proves what’s possible when industry collaborates to innovate. The success of this project reflects the skill and commitment of everyone involved and underscores the vital role hydrogen will play in delivering flexible, low-carbon energy.”

 

About Centrica

Centrica is an international energy and services company, founded on a 200-year heritage of serving customers in homes and businesses. We supply energy and services to over 10 million residential and business customers, mainly in the UK and Ireland, through brands such as British Gas, Bord Gáis Energy and Centrica Business Solutions. Centrica has a role at every step of the energy transition. When it comes to energy, we make it, store it, move it, sell it and mend it. Our strategy is driven by our purpose of energising a greener, fairer future. 

About HiiROC

HiiROC is a pioneering British company dedicated to accelerating Net Zero by delivering on the promise of affordable clean hydrogen. HiiROC’s proprietary process, Thermal Plasma Electrolysis (TPE), produces hydrogen using just one-fifth of the electricity needed for water electrolysis, and does not produce CO₂.

Founded in 2019, HiiROC has quickly established itself as a leader in the clean hydrogen sector, with over 100 employees across development facilities in Hull, commercial offices in the south of England, and a research lab in Europe.  For more information, please visit: www.hiiroc.com

About NZTC

The Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC) is a not-for-profit organisation working with industry, government and academia, driving technology innovation to accelerate the transition to net zero. NZTC was created in 2016 as part of the Aberdeen City Region Deal, with £180 million of UK and Scottish government funding to maximise the potential of the North Sea. To date we have co-invested £468 million in technologies that have the potential to generate £10-17 billion in gross value added (GVA) by 2036. We have screened over 3,500 technologies, completed or progressed 170+ field trials, supported 130 tech startups and commercialised 74+ technologies, resulting in a carbon dioxide abatement potential of 42 million tonnes by 2030. Our technology advisory services provide the energy industry and those who invest in it with insights into current and emerging technologies, helping organisations to decarbonise. Learn more about the Net Zero Technology Centre

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