British Gas owner Centrica PLC (LSE:CNA) is taking part in a new pilot project that will see hydrogen injected for the first time to run a plant for the UK’s power grid.
A 'peaking plant' - which generally run only when there is a high demand - at Centrica’s Brigg site in Lincolnshire will be used for the pilot, which will test what role hydrogen can play in meeting UK power needs.
Designed for use when the grid is at full stretch or renewables generation, the 49MW gas-fired Brigg station is one of 20 projects funded through an £8mln programme funded by the government-backed Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC).
Start-up HiiROC is running the project with the ultimate aim to run the plant just on hydrogen.
HiiROC has developed a process converts that biomethane, flare gas or natural gas into hydrogen and carbon black, used in tyres, rubbers and printing inks.