As part of the RIIO price controls we introduced the Gas Network Innovation Competition (NIC).
The Gas NIC is an annual opportunity for Gas network companies to compete for funding for the development and demonstration of new technologies, operating and commercial arrangements. Funding will be provided for the best innovation projects which help all network operators understand what they need to do to provide environmental benefits, reduce costs, and maintain security of supply as Great Britain (GB) moves to a low carbon economy. Up to £20 million per annum is available through the Gas NIC.
Through the 2019 process, we awarded one gas NIC project: . NGN's H21 Phase 2.You can read more about the project in the 2019 Funding Decisions, available below.
The 2020 Competition
The Initial Screening Process for the 2020 NIC has now concluded.
The following projects have passed the ISP, and will proceed to the Full Submission stage.
The Full Submission deadline is 5pm on 31st July.
H100 Fife (SGN)
The project aims to construct a new end-to-end distribution network to test hydrogen from production to use in real consumer homes, with the opportunity for customers to opt-in to live trials.
HyNTS (National Grid Gas)
The project aims to test transmission network assets with flows of hydrogen blends between 20-100% at transmission pressures for the first time. The project intends to work in conjunction with Northern Gas Networks’ ongoing H21 project at Spadeadam.