Network Innovation Allowance Annual Summary 2017-18

Making lives easier… more clever stuff INNOVATION REPORT 2018

We’re Northern Gas Networks Through pioneering technology (NGN), the gas distributer for and close collaboration with other the North of England. energy companies, we are focused on delivering a safe, reliable supply We keep 2.7 million homes and of gas while exploring a low carbon, businesses cooking on gas in the low cost energy future for the UK. North East, Northern Cumbria and much of Yorkshire through a network of underground pipes. northerngasnetworks.co.uk We’re committed to meeting our customers’ energy needs @NGNgas today while innovating to meet [email protected] the challenges of tomorrow.

2 | INTRODUCTION [email protected] | northerngasnetworks.co.ukINNOVATION REPORT | | 33 INNOVATION REPORT 2018

Mark Horsley Chief Executive Officer Meet the Northern Gas Networks Innovation team

As the UK looks towards a low carbon energy When it comes to future challenges, one of the biggest future, the importance of network innovation remains the 2050 Climate Change Act, and how we and collaboration cannot be underestimated. meet its low carbon requirements while continuing to provide a secure, affordable energy supply. The challenges we face in the North are experienced throughout the UK gas industry and tapping the vast Our Energy Futures projects are tackling this head- 1 3 pool of knowledge, insight and expertise out there is on, exploring the role of hydrogen and whole energy 2 4 the smartest and quickest way to meet them. systems in order to deliver bigger and better benefits for the energy customer of tomorrow. Whether it’s using hydrogen to reduce carbon emissions, locating gas in underground utility ducts, or A hydrogen gas network conversion has been forecast better understanding the effects our operations have to save around £300billion compared to full scale on our most vulnerable customers, working together electrification, but the wider benefits are much means networks can action change faster, solve broader. The potential for job creation and carbon systemic problems, avoid duplication of effort and reduction has put hydrogen on the government pass on more benefits to all our customers. agenda, the green gas named as one of three plausible pathways to 2050 decarbonisation in October’s Clean And it’s not just network collaboration, our close Growth Plan. relationships with the Energy Innovation Centre and local innovators continue to deliver great results and In the meantime, we’re continuing to make sure brilliant new technology. innovation learning and technology are delivering 1 Richard Hynes-Cooper benefits, and becoming business as usual today. Head of Innovation At the midpoint point of the RIIO GD1 price control, [email protected] it’s been time to take stock of our processes and Embedding innovation into our culture has been a key review what we’ve achieved. What is clear is just how focus point this year, as we worked to listen more to 2 Adam Madgett essential the Ofgem Network Innovation Allowance our people and learn about their biggest challenges. Innovation Portfolio Manager (NIA) stimulus has been to delivering this. [email protected] Innovation has evolved into an essential part of the It’s allowed so many great ideas to move from theory day job and will only become more important in years 3 Jarred Knott into practice, increasing efficiency, improving safety, to come, so it’s also greatly rewarding to see new Innovation and Regulation Support reducing disruption and minimising environmental project managers take the lead in trialling and rolling [email protected] impact. out new technology already making life easier for colleagues and customers. 4 Wayne Smith All of which ensures we’re continuing to provide the Innovation Implementation Manager best value for money service we can for customers as I hope you enjoy this look-back on our 2017-18 projects, and if you’d like to work with us or learn [email protected] the UK’s future energy mix takes shape. But there is still work to do. more, please do get in touch.

4 | MEET THE INNOVATION TEAM [email protected] | northerngasnetworks.co.uk | 5 01 INNOVATION REPORT 2018 Our STRATEGY AN SE

Projects in our NIA portfolio reflect Asset and network management Safety and Environment four areas in which we’re continually aiming to drive improvement Effectively and efficiently managing our Harnessing pioneering technology to infrastructure with clever solutions to keep our colleagues and customers safe, ensure the gas flows along 37,000km with minimal impact on Innovation plays a major role in Whether it’s helping us rise to challenges, Our NIA funding is aligned to our of pipes our surroundings consistently improving what we solve problems or make life easier for strategy, with five key objectives do, driving efficiency today colleagues and customers, innovation designed to deliver improvement presents opportunities to do things through innovation. and into the future. better. CS F

Our portfolio can be divided into two categories: solutions that can action Collaborate with Customer Service Future Role of Gas change right now, and those helping to innovative partners deliver the energy system of tomorrow. 01 Ensuring the 2.7 million homes and Delivering a low cost, low carbon smart businesses across our network continue energy system for customers Be efficient, effective to receive a safe, reliable energy supply, and deliver value while putting vulnerable customers first 02 for money The strategy identifies the challenges Deliver a portfolio to Gas Network Innovation Strategy and opportunities the gas transmission make us reliable and (GNIS) and distribution networks face in safe 03 This March we launched the Gas improving efficiency and supporting Network Innovation Strategy alongside UK decarbonisation, examining how innovation can drive down costs for Optimise investment our fellow networks and the Energy customers and how lessons learned from to deliver benefit for Networks Association. innovation projects should be shared customers 04 with wider industry in order to roll out benefits more widely. Be socially and environmentally And as technology, policy and customer responsible demands change, it sets out the role 05 gas has to play in meeting demand for power, heat and transport today, and into tomorrow, through seven key innovation themes:

• Future of Gas • Safety and Emergency • Reliability and Maintenance • Repair The Strategy will be reviewed in two • Distribution mains replacement years’ time. For the full document visit • Environment and low carbon • Security energynetworks.org

6 | OUR STRATEGY [email protected] | northerngasnetworks.co.uk | 7 INNOVATION REPORT 2018

COLLABORATION AND 02 SHARED LEARNING Working with our fellow gas networks joined Northumbrian Water, Northern Total number of collaborative The means we avoid duplication of effort and Powergrid and Yorkshire Water for a projects since 2013: that effective solutions to long-standing project to help us better understand BENEFITS problems can be rolled out faster while the social impact of utility works on our maximising benefits for customers. customers. By working through every step of our operational processes, we’ve £2.2 million As well as saving costs and Joining the other GDNs and National been able to create a procedure which driving efficiency, innovation Grid Transmission on the Composite highlights potential negative impact and 52 When all is said and done, innovation has £2 million projects have delivered Repairs project is helping us explore allows us to plan accordingly. one purpose: to ensure we’re delivering numerous wider benefits so repair technology set to benefit all We also reached out to Wales & West the safest, most reliable and best value far in 2018. £1.8 million Benefits saved so far in 2018 the networks, driving down costs and Utilities to share best practice and to service for customers while meeting increasing efficiency. identify which implemented innovation the energy challenges of the future. Cut vehicle journeys by projects from each network could be £1.6 million Meantime, our flagship Network adopted. This has resulted in numerous Last year we set ourselves the 110 Innovation Competition projects such initiatives and ideas being assessed by us ‘£2million challenge’ to capture return as H21 and HyDeploy involve close for their suitability within our business. £1.4 million on investment for customers through partnership with the other networks so implemented innovation projects. We We reduced the amount of spoil sent to we can plan for a cleaner, greener energy And the process works both ways. Our were just short of the finish line reaching £1.2 million future for customers at a reasonable back blade protector, which prevents £1.91 million of financial benefits. This landfill by cost, with minimal changes to their road scarring when attached to a mini hasn’t deterred us as we have set the bar homes. digger, is now being trialled by other £1 million 3 higher this year with a target of 1276m networks, while our gas detection dogs £2.2 million. And it’s not just the gas industry we are also attracting major interest. £800k Reduced days spent in can learn from. Earlier this year we We believe the increased internal engagement we’re undertaking will grow the highway by awareness of innovation in the business, £600k in the region of resulting in greater utilisation. 106 HOW WE SHARE The Energy Low Carbon Network £400k THE KNOWLEDGE… Innovation Centre Innovation Conference (LCNI) Ultimately, increased adoption of new £460K We dug technology means we can carry out The annual industry conference at our works more efficiently and deliver £200k 448 Utility companies often face the same The EIC acts as our dating agency for which utility companies showcase green, greater value for money. challenges and goals, so we share SMEs. Through the EIC we can source fewer excavations affordable energy solutions and share knowledge through a variety of ideas and expertise from a community of success in resolving network problems. Our in-house cost benefits analysis industry forums. 2,000 innovators, and invest in system allows us to track utilisation Reduced customer local firms. with the business on a monthly basis, £0 complaints or local Last December our project leads shared to promote awareness of the benefits Cross Utility knowledge and learning with over 1,600 authority defects by Gas Innovation attendees at Telford, while NGN’s gas associated with innovation projects Governance Group Innovation Group so that usage is increased across the detection dogs Midge and Millie certainly 181 drew a crowd to our stand. network. A monthly gathering of UK gas A regular get-together of water, power distributors. Great for sharing case and gas providers. Over the past year, studies about what has worked, and partners have been working on a joint what hasn’t, in the world of innovation. project to measure the social impact of This year GIGG has seen a big push to network innovation activities. identify implemented projects from each network.

With help from the ENA, the group has developed a tool allowing us to easily view which technology has been rolled out across each network.

8 | THE BENEFITS [email protected] | northerngasnetworks.co.uk | 9 03 INNOVATION REPORT 2018 OUR Think tank CULTURE

OUR THINK TANK

To ensure every successful project stands up to scrutiny, each one is presented and assessed by our Innovation Think Tank in order to earn approval. This internal governance body of specialist colleagues and expert practitioners from across the business means all facets of the project are evaluated, from commercial and financial to stakeholder and safety. Each project is scored on those merits and every one LETTING OUR COLLEAGUES SHINE BUSINESS AS USUAL that meets or surpasses the criteria is progressed.

Innovation projects are a great opportunity to develop Innovative new technology helps keep us at the forefront the skills and harness the experience of colleagues while of delivering great service for customers, but it’s also improving service for our customers. essential to embed new solutions through widespread implementation. In 2016-17, we launched a new step-by-step guide for our project managers, to help them successfully deliver We’ve seen a great uptake of the clever kit we develop, innovation projects from start to finish. trial and implement, however there’s still more work to do. Effective communication on the benefits of rolled-out 35 20 We also provide a range of training and mentoring support technology is playing a key role in increasing the use of ideas evaluated in 2017-18 projects approved by NGN’s internal and ramped this up in 2017-18 by actively recruiting business-as-usual innovation. Think Tank in 2017-18 Innovation Champions to endorse new technology. LISTENING TO OUR INTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS Their enthusiasm and experience not only spreads the word on time-saving and problem-solving methods, but Our colleagues serve as the best sounding board for Social media is a great way to spread the word And our people continue to show some underpins our drive to fully embed solutions as business- potential projects. Before we progress any idea, we send fast on clever new solutions to long-standing ingenious thinking when it comes to as-usual. out digital surveys as a ‘temperature check’ to monitor problems, so we’ve harnessed Yammer – developing their own kit in order to tackle appetite. This year we’ve hosted an Innovation Tour across the think Facebook for work – as a quick way to issues. Several of these great ideas, including network, taking our technology on the road to offices and Their knowledge and experience is a great way to share news and project updates, with video a a steering wheel desktop and a Core and Vac depots, bringing in suppliers to demonstrate the kit live. understand whether there is demand for the solution, or if particularly effective and popular tool. sealant, are now being explored as it needs further development. innovation projects. And we welcomed a host of new project managers into the team, as part of NGN’s expanding personal development programme.

Our people have achieved some outstanding results by trialling new solutions on the network and progressing ideas from start to finish.

A strong focus on commercial viability right from the start ensures we’re delivering great value for money, increasing efficiency and improving safety, the benefits of which are being passed on to customers.

10 | OUR CULTURE [email protected] | northerngasnetworks.co.uk | 11 INNOVATION REPORT 2018

NIA Funding Why it matters so much 2018 04 £12 million NIA £2.6 million Our investment since 2013 Total investment this year projects

4 The road to success Awards this year

1 UKSTT 2 EIC Best Gas 3 EIC Best Innovation 4 Gas Industry Environment Award Network Contributing to Innovation Product Improvement Award Customer Quality of the Year and Reliability of Gas Supply Business case An initial examination of the benefits and costs Total NIA projects 110 since 2013 Network collaboration 06 projects this year Implemented NIA 21 projects since 2013 Research Total network A desktop project to see if the project stands up to greater scrutiny 52 collaboration projects since 2013

Cross-sector projects Development Time to hit the lab 20 01 this year Ideas evaluated New projects have 35 this year been started this regulatory year Demonstration Testing the concept out on the network Completed 09 In research 10 2017/18 In implementation 10 In development 05 £2.6 million Implementation Total spend in 2017-18 Final roll-out. Success! 01 In demonstration

To find out more about all of our innovation projects, please visit www.smarternetworks.org

12 | NIA FUNDING [email protected] | northerngasnetworks.co.uk | 13 INNOVATION REPORT 2018

Syphon Design for Gas Polyethylene Networks Detection Dogs

Project ID: Project ID: NIA_NGN_169 “It’s a simple but effective solution to NIA_NGN_170 water ingress problems that increases Collaboration: operational efficiency and reduces our Collaboration: NGN, ROSEN environmental impact. NGN, K9 Integrity LTD, Newcastle Stage: University Implementation “Because of its 24-hour monitoring and storage size, the syphon run, where engi- Stage: neers go to check levels, now only needs Implementation to happen when required.

“At one site we’ve gone from emptying the old one-litre syphon every other day, to not needing to visit for six weeks and cutting out a daily 40-mile round trip. Problem: Locating gas escapes has “So we’re making better use of opera- historically been a pretty messy tional time and creating fewer emissions business, requiring our engineers to through fewer journeys, plus there is no “The dogs’ profile has lifted immensely dig excavation holes which can cause chance of customers having their supply in the NGN operational community. disruption for customers and impact the interrupted. local environment. “At Burmantofts they proved very “We’re now sharing the learning with effective, locating our escape which led Two years ago, we completed a colleagues and other networks as water to Yorkshire Water finding the water fascinating trial which proved sniffer ingress is an industry problem across the leak causing the problems. dogs could be trained to sniff out the gas board, and new technology means we’re odorant mercaptan. able to tackle this old issue ever more “What else can I say….brilliant!” Problem: Syphons were traditionally Benefit: Since we installed the syphon at effectively, meaning less inconvenience Solution: To demonstrate they could used to collect water travelling inside one site, there have been no reports of for customers.” John Richardson locate leaks with the same effectiveness the gas network for decades. water ingress problems or loss of supply Business Operational Leader of existing gas detection equipment, for customers. And we’ve reduced our Steve Pigott our Springer spaniels Midge and Millie But as the UK embarked upon the Iron trips to check the levels thanks to its Project Manager progressed to a live trials phase out on Mains Replacement programme and clever monitoring technology. the NGN network last year, deployed to Benefits: A post-incident calculation switched from metallic mains to plastic 14 separate sites. showed that overall, costs of £85,000 pipes, syphons were not thought to be What’s next: We’re in the process of were saved in Burmantofts and its required. implementing this technology across After acing the live trials, the pair duration reduced by two days. the network and sharing the knowledge were instrumental in speeding up the Out of this, the dogs’ efficiency was However parts of the gas grid still suffer from field trials with our operation- resolution of a major gas supply incident calculated to have saved around £35,000 Dogs have saved over £92K since from water ingress today, sometimes al leaders and other gas distribution in Burmantofts, Leeds last September. and a day’s time in getting customers start of 2018 causing low pressure or even loss of networks, to demonstrate the difference back on supply. supply for customers. the syphon can make in areas prone to A burst water main kept 550 properties water ingress. off gas for three days, a large proportion As well as cutting the need for digging Deployed 46 times between January Solution: To tackle this, we’ve been of which housed vulnerable customers. exploratory holes and minimising and March working with ROSEN to design a light- If rolled out network-wide, the Using the dogs helped reduce the length environmental waste, the dogs’ weight, low pressure network compati- syphon would drastically reduce of the incident, pinpointing the exact improvement of leak location and repair ble PE syphon providing 24-litre storage. carbon emissions by limiting the spot where water was entering the pipe times meant they became business need for daily journeys to check by tracing the greatest concentration of as usual technology for use across the Small enough to reduce excavation size water levels. We’ve calculated that it mercaptan back to its source. network in December. and ensure easy handling, the syphon could save 2.5tCO2e and save £170k can also be fitted with a remote mon- every year. Not only did this help Yorkshire Water Stars of the show at 2017’s LCNI itoring system which alerts engineers repair the damage, but also meant water conference, the dogs have attracted when the syphon is full. This is reducing could be extracted more quickly and our interest from other networks keen unnecessary trips to check levels, while customers got their gas supply back on to explore their potential in resolving ensuring water cannot travel further faster with less digging required. water ingress events. into the network and our customers continue to receive a reliable gas supply.

14 | OUR PROJECTS [email protected] | northerngasnetworks.co.uk | 15 INNOVATION REPORT 2018

Practical Solution for Digital Pressure Built-over Mains Test Alert “When we were trialling the solution there was a lot of demand for it, and we Project ID: can expect that to increase this sum- Project ID: NIA_NGN_169 mer as we’re replacing mains in more NIA_NGN_188 gardens. Collaboration: Collaboration: NGN, Steven Vick International Ltd “This allows us to eliminate risk through NGN, ControlPoint less digging, and avoid creating mess Stage: and disruption that open cut can result Stage: Implementation in. But it also means we’re reducing the Development and Demonstration time it takes to complete these jobs.

“For every 100 metres that takes seven days to open cut, insertion takes four. Problem: When our teams relay a gas We calculated on one job in Leeds last service, a test certificate is filled in to year that over a total of 550m we’d prove the pipe has been successfully saved around £87,000.” completed before a Gas Safe Engineer can be dispatched to carry out a purge Neil Travers and relight in the customer’s home. Project Manager “The solution allows us to massively increase efficiency on these jobs, and reduce the time customers are waiting This process relies on paper forms and to be able to use their gas. a series of telephone calls, which means the information can take a while to be • Ability to plan mains insertion “It also ensures accurate data collection logged and customers wait longer for without the need for open cut is uploaded live into our systems, and their gas to be switched back on. digging we can plan more effectively in terms of • Ability to calculate savings based resource.” Solution: Building on the success of Problem: During gas mains replacement projects, our engineers often encounter on number of built-over mains per WWU’s pressure test, we’ve collaborated small out-buildings as they swap old metal pipes for new plastic ones. Traditionally, project Chris Green with ControlPoint to use this existing we’ve diverted mains around these garden sheds or garages, a time-consuming and • Reduced disruption for customers Project Manager technology and produce a digital test sometimes messy practice which requires open cut digging that can create disruption • Increased efficiency certificate and live data we can directly for customers. • Increased safety upload into our systems. This removes a paper trail and prevents delays for our Solution: After a previous project developed a risk assessment, we’ve been exploring operational teams and customers in a process which allows us to safely seal the annular space between an inserted PE gas getting the gas back on. main and the old metallic host pipe, minimising the need to dig around the structure. The technology involves an adapted Using the foam technology and • Increased operational efficiency Working with specialist company Steve Vick International Ltd, foam is injected to insertion method saved digital pressure gauge already employed • Allows purge and relight teams to on the network, and the same database fill this annular space, reducing risk and environmental impact as well as minimising mobilise accurate resource inconvenience for customers. Three methods have now been developed to suit £87,000 used for the ControlPoint joint • Reduced customer disruption electrofusion. different types of main location. Following successful workshop trials the process has on one of our gas mains replacement • Accurate data collection been trialled live out on the network and is already saving costs and valuable time projects • Cost saving through reduced allowing us to complete these projects more safely and efficiently. Benefits: This clever device means What’s next: The project has been remedial works we’re cutting the time it takes between trialled by a team in our East Riding • Improved communication carrying out the relay test and our patch for the last 10 months with great Benefits: The solution allows us to carry out customers being able to use their gas. success, proving the concept works. replacement works more efficiently and more safely, That’s leading to increased operational Field trials look set to follow and subject by reducing the need for open cut digging. That means efficiency, better resource planning, to business case approval, it’s hoped less mess and customer disruption, and reduced improved customer experience, the technology will be rolled out for use environmental impact as we’re sending less spoil to improved communication and accurate across the network. landfill. Fact file data collection.

What’s next: Now trials are complete, we’re planned implementing the solution. It will be rolled out as a 29,000 bought-in specialist service later this year. Steve Vick interruptions every year International have developed a new way of mixing and injecting the foam in a portable way. Think of a weed- spraying backpack but with foam.

16 | OUR PROJECTS [email protected] | northerngasnetworks.co.uk | 17 INNOVATION REPORT 2018

Measuring the Societal Impact of Network Activities iStop

Project ID: Project ID: NIA_NPG_013 NIA_NGN_213 “Finding ways to reduce the environmental impact of our fleet is Collaboration: NGN, Northern Powergrid, hugely important as NGN looks towards Collaboration: Northumbrian Water, Yorkshire Water, a low-carbon future, and new technology NGN, Gardner Denver WRc, EIC, Collingwood Environmental allows us to explore this.

Stage: Stage: “iStop can make a difference, showing an Implementation Implementation annual average saving of 61 litres in fuel per vehicle every year and reducing noise as well, down from 1660 revs to 1200. Problem: Gas, electric and water Problem: As part of everyday “It’s an exciting prospect and we’re networks are infrastructure essentials operations, our engineers need to use planning to roll it out to 20 new vehicles that keep our homes warm, lights on and their vehicles for on-board power during from next year.” cups full. emergency and repair works. While necessary, it’s not an environmentally- Mark Squires But most of us only become aware of friendly solution, so we’ve been trialling Project Manager “As a first time Innovation Project them when supply stops, or works cause a clever way to reduce the impact Manager, I found representing NGN inconvenience. deploying on-board power can have. on the collaboration very rewarding. It gave me a great opportunity to work It can be tricky to consistently evaluate But by placing ten network activities Working with Gardner Denver, we’ve on something outside of my immediate and communicate the work utilities do, in logical causal chains - a clear way of installed iStop technology on three E&R • Reduced environmental impact role, develop new skills and meet new and plot out the best way to meet our setting out each step of each process vans across the network to understand • Reduced fuel costs people from within NGN and externally.” responsibilities with as little impact on and showing its effects - the impact of how this can help us reduce emissions, • Reduction in noise customers as possible. each and who it affects can be mapped minimise noise and save fuel. • Operational duties can be carried Dean Pearson thoroughly and consistently. out as required Project Manager Solution: This year we joined Northern Solution: The device detects when Powergrid, Northumbrian Water and This allows quantification, and where power hasn’t been used for a certain Yorkshire Water for a collaborative NIA that isn’t possible, qualitative evaluation time, then using simple stop-start project to help networks better measure means mitigation can be planned technology, drops the revs down from the social impact of their activities on if the effects are negative. All this 1600 to 1200rpm. The revs then return customers. Sharing knowledge around information supplements existing tools when power is required. common problems allows us to evaluate such as cost benefit analysis, but means If rolled out across 200 new vehicles in social effects and adapt our processes to important impacts other than financial What’s next: iStop is now a future, iStop has the potential to provide do things even better. benefits are captured. significant fuel savings and reduce specification requirement for all • Greater value for money for our vehicles requiring on-board power. emissions. customers Experts from across each organisation Benefits: Working collaboratively with It will be installed in 20 new vehicles • Minimising customer disruption - customer care, social strategy, other networks gives us access to a from next year, making a valuable After fitting data loggers to three • Increased efficiency through environmental, construction services, huge pool of knowledge and experience, contribution towards minimising the Ford Transits, we captured important better planning economic analysis – were asked about meaning we can solve problems faster environmental impact of our fleet. information helping us understand the how social impacts are measured and and deliver greater satisfaction for our average time power is required and used. how highly their network prioritises customers. The iStop was then installed in all them. three vehicles to log the power used, The project is delivering a better allowing us to map the difference to Responses were reviewed by WRc, the understanding of our communities, how learn how much fuel we saved when the EIC and Collingwood Environmental our work affects the lives of those living technology was deployed. Calculations Planning, who researched tools and there and how we can best support showed iStop will produce an annual techniques to measure these impacts. them. average saving of 61 litres in fuel per These were then scored in terms of vehicle. importance, helping to identify gaps in Next steps: A final report is being current knowledge. compiled, recommending use, Benefits: The iStop technology can development and next stages required cut fuel use, fuel costs, reduce noise With such a wide range of activities, to complete a framework. We’re also and harmful emissions, while allowing locations and communities, there is no working on an implementation plan and our engineers to carry out essential off-the-shelf tool to fully assess all social sharing the learning with Australia Gas emergency and repair work, keeping impacts. Networks. customers gas supply safe and reliable.

18 | OUR PROJECTS [email protected] | northerngasnetworks.co.uk | 19 INNOVATION REPORT 2018

Composite STASS (System Two Repairs Assess and Seal)

Project ID: Project ID: NIA_NGGD0094 “Traditional methods of repairing our NIA_NGN_205 assets aren’t always the quickest. Using Collaboration: an epoxy shell is a superb method but Collaboration: NGN, SGN, Cadent, WWU National Grid requires weeks to fabricate and install. NGN, Synthotech Transmission, DNV-GL “The composite repairs technology Stage: Stage: Development can be completed at a fraction of the Development and Demonstration current cost, so the financial benefits are obvious.”

Chris Rodgerson Problem: Our network contains around Project Manager 1700 kilometres of large diameter mains which require regular upkeep and assessment; often a tricky and time- consuming process given their location underground. “The robot is providing an agile solution for large diameter mains repairs while Solution: To tackle this, we’ve worked gaining visual intelligence of pipe • Time-saving and cost-saving with specialist supplier Synthotech to condition to inform future decision method build a state-of-the-art, best of breed making. • Reduced downtime robot that can travel down our pipes and • Increased efficiency show us what’s happening beneath the “This is being delivered by in-house surface. craftsmen to help the way we approach high-impact works on large diameter Transmitting live footage back to the assets.” operator via a special camera, STASS combines keyhole technology with Richard Hynes-Cooper bond-and-bolt pressure techniques, Problem: We transport our gas through project, pre-cut carbon fibre sheets were What’s next: Testing the method on a Head of Innovation allowing engineers to assess the pipe 1200km of high pressure pipeline, before impregnated with resin, and wrapped variety of complex shapes to verify the from inside and then apply ‘flexspray’ to the pressure is regulated for use by around damage on a whole variety technology has produced great results. seal internal joints. customers. Sometimes these thick metal of complex shapes, until the desired A methodology document is being pipes require repairs on above-ground thickness of repair is achieved. A bit developed to determine best practice Benefit: As well as improving our asset bends and tees, which can be time- like wallpapering, but with a hard and and minimum thickness of a repair, while management techniques, sending the consuming and expensive to carry out, durable finish. fatigue testing of composite repairs on robot inside our pipes is reducing the • Reduced need for excavation often taking weeks to complete using forged bends has shown no degradation. time it takes us to complete our jobs, • Increased operational safety established methods. Left to cure, this creates a strong, lasting from an average of three weeks down • Increased efficiency solution and a sound technical basis for to just one, meaning we’re digging fewer • Reduced customer disruption It’s a problem which affects all the all the GDNs to add a new repair method holes, creating less spoil and reducing • Reduced environmental impact distribution networks, so we joined to the toolbox. costs. It’s also improving safety by • Maximised best-of-breed Cadent, WWU, SGN, National Grid minimising the need to dig. technology to better inform asset Transmission and DNV-GL for a Benefits: This clever technique saves management and smarter ways of collaborative project examining a new time and money, and means asset repairs Not only is the robot preventing working repair method often used in the pipeline can be completed much faster at a problems before they occur, it’s also industry. fraction of the cost. helping our Emergency and Repair teams locate gas escapes faster, Solution: Composite material brings reducing disruption for customers while two different constituents together to increasing efficiency. create one stronger substance. For this What’s next: The robot is being trialled out live on the network, so we can further understand its most effective deployment.

20 | OUR PROJECTS [email protected] | northerngasnetworks.co.uk | 21 INNOVATION REPORT 2018

HYDEPLOY This green energy trial will establish the 05 level of hydrogen which can be safely Collaboration: Cadent, Keele University, THE ITM Power, Health and Safety used by customers with no need to Laboratory. change their existing gas appliances, and FUTURE ROLE OF GAS trialled on a closed network at Keele Phase: Development University’s campus.

Problem: The UK faces a stern challenge Benefits: If rolled out UK-wide, in the Climate Change Act, and with blending hydrogen with natural gas over 80% of the population using gas has the potential to save over 6 million for heating and cooking, progress on tonnes of carbon every year. That’s the decarbonising heat has been slow. equivalent of removing 2.5 million cars from our roads. Solution: HyDeploy is exploring the potential for blending up to 20% What’s next: Appliance testing has been hydrogen created by an electrolyser, to completed at the Health and Safety reduce carbon emissions. Laboratory, and subject to Health and Safety Executive approval, a live trial is expected to begin in June 2019.

The gas network has a pivotal role H21 NIC to produce hydrogen-compatible City CNG station. CNG cuts nitrous oxides and to play in the UK’s energy system appliances. particulate matter by 90% compared to of the future. We’re developing a Both projects will complete at the same Collaboration: Cadent, Wales & West Problem: Transport accounts for a Euro 6 diesel engines, and CNG engines whole range of low carbon projects time, and following field trials should Utilities, SGN, DNV-GL, Health and quarter of the UK’s total greenhouse gas are quieter too. today in order to deliver cleaner, deliver all the safety evidence needed Safety Laboratory emissions, with heavy goods vehicles greener solutions for our for the government to progress towards and buses a major contributor to poor Benefits: Increased uptake of CNG can customers tomorrow… a policy decision on hydrogen by the Problem: With the Climate Change Act air quality in our cities. But uptake of reduce emissions and noise pollution, early 2020s. committing the UK to an 80% reduction alternative fuels has been limited by a helping to improve air quality and in 1990 carbon levels by the year 2050, lack of infrastructure and vehicle choice. subsequently, public health. the race is on to find sustainable, reliable What’s happening now?: The NIC project’s first phase involves collecting and affordable forms of energy to power Solution: To tackle this chicken- What’s next: Work on the site is lots of different types of pipes, joints, customer homes and businesses. and-egg situation, we’re partnering expected to begin in late 2019. As well connections and valves that we use Leeds City Council and longer term as providing the land, Leeds City Council NETWORK INNOVATION on our network today and designing Solution: In 2016 we launched our the private sector to provide a high- are supplying a ready-made client for the a test programme to understand how COMPETITION pioneering H21 Leeds City Gate study. pressure connection supplying gas to station, by converting their fleet of bin they would behave on a 100% hydrogen Based on a blueprint of the city of Leeds, a compressed natural gas (CNG) filling lorries to CNG over the next five years. this proved the gas network could be network. Every year, the gas networks bid for a converted from natural gas to 100% share of £20 million Ofgem innovation hydrogen at a realistic cost with minimal We’ll be working with the Health and funding, for flagship projects set to customer disruption. Hydrogen is zero Safety Laboratory in Buxton to complete Low Carbon Gas Pre-heating Benefits: Exploring new sustainable deliver environmental benefits, reduce carbon at the point of use, producing this, before exploring how natural gas and economical technology through costs and maintain security of supply as just heat and water when burned. and hydrogen behave in a range of suppliers not traditionally involved Britain moves to a low carbon economy. simulated gas escape scenarios at DNV- Problem: To transport gas to homes and businesses across the North, we have to with the utilities industry could deliver Since 2016, H21 has moved on at pace. GL’s base at Spadeadam in Cumbria. Field warm it up through a process called pre- significant efficiencies for the UK gas Here’s an update on our NIC projects… It’s now a collaborative Network trials will follow. heating. Although established methods distribution business. Innovation Competition programme such as water baths and boilers are involving all the UK gas networks, effective, they can be energy intensive. What’s next: We’ll be sharing the data focused on delivering the essential live-streamed from each trial site later safety evidence required for a 100% Solution: We commissioned a survey to this year for the industry to learn from. hydrogen conversion. explore alternative solutions, trialling new technologies Low Pressure Steam This work mirrors the government’s and Thermo Catalytic System against own £25 million ‘Hy4Heat’ programme, accepted methods to understand what designed to examine hydrogen for use in works best. buildings, and stimulate manufacturers

22 | THE FUTURE ROLE OF GAS [email protected] | northerngasnetworks.co.uk | 23 06 INNOVATION REPORT 2018 A WHOLE SYSTEMS APPOROACH NIA projects Building a hydrogen future H21 InTEGReL electricity and transport together to better understand how these systems Project IDs: NIA_NGN_210,207,206,204 Project ID: NIA_NGN_208 merge together, and how to manage that interaction most effectively. Building the case for a hydrogen future • H21 Domestic Metering: We’re Collaboration: Northern Powergrid, has seen our original H21 Leeds City working to understand the suitability “Gas networks can store vast amounts of Newcastle University By exploring which energy technologies Gate project spin out into five separate of existing domestic and commercial energy, making them a key player in the and solutions are needed most by strategic Network Innovation Allowance meters, assessing their suitability for energy system of the future. Stage: Demonstration customers, InTEGReL will help to deliver projects, set to share learning over the operation on a hydrogen network. those at the lowest cost and help to next three years. By taking a whole systems approach, Problem: When it comes to future drive a reduction in UK carbon emissions •H21 Strategic Urban Modelling: bringing the long term strategy, delivery challenges, one of the biggest to date at the same time. Drilling right down into the detail of Examining how a 100% hydrogen and operational maintenance of the remains the 2050 Climate Change how the gas network can be adapted conversion of the natural gas gas, electricity and transport systems Act, and how we meet its low carbon What’s next: Working with Northern to transport hydrogen, these expand distribution networks would be carried together, we’re more able to exploit the requirements while continuing to Powergrid and Newcastle University, the on the blueprint of a Leeds conversion out in other major urban centres in the benefits of joining them. provide a secure, affordable energy facility is focused on creating capability to understand how it can be mirrored UK. This has built upon the knowledge supply for customers. for battery storage and renewables and in other major urban centres and obtained in the H21 Leeds City Gate This can help us answer the three vehicle-to-grid charging systems, as well determine the infrastructure required. project to expand the modelling to elements of the energy trilemma: But the challenge also presents an as exploring new energy solutions for “It’s vital that we invest in new the major urban areas in the North of better costs for our customers, opportunity for transformational customer homes. technologies to help create decent, well- Taking centre stage this year is the H21 England (Liverpool, Manchester, West increased resilience and accelerated change delivering greater flexibility paid jobs and grow our economy. North of England project we’re leading Yorkshire, Hull, Teesside and Newcastle) decarbonisation of heat, power and for customers. To explore this, we’re ITM Power recently led a BEIS-funded in partnership with global energy giant and to Bournemouth, Bristol, Cardiff and transport.” harnessing knowledge from the power Power-to-Gas feasibility study at the I’m glad to see businesses in Leeds like Equinor and Cadent. Edinburgh. We’re working with all the sector and academia. site, which revealed the gas network’s Northern Gas Networks at the cutting UK distribution networks to deliver this. Keith Owen capability for supporting this exciting edge and working towards a low carbon This will set out the design requirements Project Manager Solution: In September 2017 we technology. Through an electrolyser, future. of the infrastructure necessary for • H21 Keighley and Spadeadam: launched InTEGReL, our whole energy surplus electrical power can be large-scale hydrogen production, storage Designing and building test rigs systems project at Low Thornley near converted into clean hydrogen and Its innovative H21 project shows how and transmission in order to produce to understand how hydrogen “As part of our Industrial Strategy this Gateshead, in partnership with Northern stored inside the gas network. We’ll the private sector can lead the way a clean energy system providing heat behaves inside current gas network Government is working closely with Powergrid and Newcastle University. be examining the next steps for this in helping reach our 2050 emission for the North of England, including infrastructure, to feed results into the partners in the energy sector to position technology with ITM in the months to reduction targets. the major conurbations of Liverpool, H21 NIC project. the UK at the forefront of global efforts InTEGReL is the UK’s first fully integrated come. Manchester, Leeds, Hull, York, Newcastle to develop carbon-free energy solutions. energy system development and It is crucial the government backs and Teesside. Central to this will be the demonstration facility, bringing gas, Green hydrogen will be further explored business with an industrial strategy requirements of carbon capture and • H21 Field Trials: This will involve the The InTEGReL project demonstrates electric and transport (oil) together into on the site, along with advanced that has a plan to create jobs and foster storage infrastructure to ensure clean creation of detailed designs for the how the private sector – working with one place. research and education facilities. investment across the country at its hydrogen. build and construction of the H21 NIC the UK’s world class Higher Education InTEGReL will create more efficient heart.” project field trial sites. sector – can take a leading role in ways to store and transport energy, and We’ll share the learnings later this year helping Britain reach our 2050 emission develop flexible, affordable solutions for Rachel Reeves MP from the project that could present reduction target. This Government is the customer of tomorrow. BEIS Committee Chair a credible ‘first policy’ option for committed to supporting low carbon Benefits: InTEGReL is bringing gas, government. In addition to this major energy solutions in the UK, and our study are four more projects… recent £246 million investment in battery technology and £25 million in the development of hydrogen gas technology have been central to this.”

Greg Clark, Secretary of State for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy

24 | THE FUTURE ROLE OF GAS [email protected] | northerngasnetworks.co.uk | 25 INNOVATION REPORT 2018

07REVISITING LAST YEAR’S PROJECTS

A look back at 2017 GIS Maps: By cross-referencing Ordnance OptoMole: Using the latest probe £60,000 per year. It’s now been Survey maps and Environment technology to detect gas in implemented as business as usual Agency data, we’re able to underground telecoms ducts, this on live jobs around the network. Many of the NIA projects featured in our pinpoint likely locations of water fibre optic gadget delivers instant 2017 Summary continue to go from strength ingress, enabling us to carrying readings. The health of our engineers Health is central to success of NGN to strength, delivering major cost savings out proactive repairs. With a cable extending 100 metres, OptoMole is locating and Safety gas network operations. But and making life easier for customers and Portable We’re making use of old sensor escapes faster, reducing our need Monitor: exposure to noise and vibrations colleagues. dew point technology which measures the to dig, minimise disruption for can lead to long-term health tester: moisture content of the gas. customers and ensure greater conditions such as industrial Used in conjunction with the value for money. deafness and HAVS (Hand Arm environmental flood data tool it Vibration Syndrome) if not allows us to accurately identify Working collaboratively alongside properly managed. where moisture is entering the WWU, Cadent and the EIC, field network. trials have proved the technology To prevent this, we’ve been works. There’s more work to do working with specialist supplier HERE’S AN UPDATE… Syphon Water extracted from a gas main to understand the applications in J3llyh34d to develop a prototype waste is often contaminated and can’t which it can be most effective, so wearable health monitor packed Water We’re constantly exploring ways water: be disposed of in public sewers. the next steps will involve a solo with sophisticated sensor ingress: to minimise customer disruption Working with Capture Green, trial on the NGN network. technology. from this industry-wide problem. we’re continuing to explore the Four separate tools have been potential for filtering this water Alternative Emergency control valves are Worn like a wrist watch, it developed to help us manage on site, removing the impurities ECV designed to shut off the gas records real-time data by logging water ingress more effectively, and therefore the need to tanker Exchange to a property in an emergency, exposure to noise and vibration and we’re now in the process it away. Kit: but occasionally they need while measuring body heat. of implementing them into the replacing. This can be a tricky and business. Back This simple piece of recycled disruptive process, particularly if Early testing delivered impressive blade digger track is so effective it’s the meter is partially buried. results and the monitor is now In addition to the PE syphon, protector: now saving us £300k a year. undergoing further development we’re continuing to work with Two NGN colleagues developed before a wider live trial involving ROSEN on several projects, Fitting the protector to a mini a clever system to carry out colleagues on the network. to speed up the process of digger’s back blade not only replacement more efficiently on identifying and extracting water prevents damage to the highway, semi-concealed meter boxes, from the network. but reduces customer complaints through a stopper which is and makes use of sustainable threaded into the service pipe Water Using specialist modelling materials. and then inflated – capping off volume techniques, this tool can tell us the supply without the need to calculator: how much water is likely to be We’ve been rolling it out to all dig down. inside the gas network after a our diggers over the last year and water ingress incident, and how the protector has also attracted Thanks to collaboration with much we need to extract. interest from other networks. WWU and ALH Systems, this kit saves around £300 per job, and

26 | REVISITING LAST YEAR’S PROJECTS [email protected] | northerngasnetworks.co.uk | 27 Northern Gas Networks @NGNgas 1100 Century Way, Thorpe Park Business Park Leeds, LS15 8TU