UK Energy Firms Complete First Hydrogen Blending Trial

Published: 13 October 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

In a groundbreaking development for Britain’s low-carbon energy ambitions, energy companies have successfully conducted the first real-life trial of hydrogen blending in the UK gas network. A 2% blend of green hydrogen was injected into the gas grid and used to power the Brigg power station in North Lincolnshire, supplying electricity to the national grid and marking a major milestone in the country’s transition to cleaner energy.

The trial, led by Centrica, the parent company of British Gas, and National Gas, which owns the UK’s gas transmission infrastructure, represents the first time hydrogen blending has been deployed outside controlled laboratory environments or decommissioned network sections. According to the companies involved, the success of this trial highlights hydrogen’s potential to decarbonise sectors of the economy where other low-carbon technologies are either unavailable or less practical.

Green hydrogen, which is produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity generated from renewable sources such as wind and solar, produces minimal greenhouse gas emissions. Unlike conventional natural gas, which releases carbon dioxide when burned, hydrogen offers a carbon-free alternative that can be blended into the existing gas network. However, while hydrogen is widely promoted as a crucial tool for decarbonising industrial energy use, its wider adoption faces ongoing debate. Critics argue that electrification through heat pumps and direct use of renewable electricity can be more energy-efficient in certain applications, particularly in domestic heating.

Gary Smith, general secretary of the GMB union, praised the trial’s success, saying: “The success of this trial is a significant moment for our country’s energy future. It highlights the vital role that innovation across our industrial heartlands can play in creating highly skilled, unionised jobs in working-class communities. This is an essential part of any credible plan to meet our net zero obligations.”

The trial’s completion comes at a time when the UK government has set ambitious targets for decarbonising energy-intensive industries and achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Hydrogen has long been viewed as a key element of this strategy, particularly for industries such as steel, cement, and chemicals, where reducing carbon emissions through electrification alone is challenging.

Centrica and National Gas are now calling on the government to support the use of hydrogen blends of up to 5% across the UK’s gas network. Jon Butterworth, chief executive of National Gas, emphasised the strategic value of the trial: “This milestone shows how blending can fuel power stations and unlock new investment opportunities for producers. By using our existing infrastructure, which has reliably served Britain for decades, we can power the next era of clean energy and industry. Working with industry and government, we’re proud to be leading this effort to make hydrogen a cornerstone of our energy system.”

Experts note that blending hydrogen into the gas grid could be a relatively low-cost method to reduce carbon emissions in the short term, as it uses existing pipelines and equipment. However, scaling hydrogen use beyond small percentages will require infrastructure upgrades, new safety protocols, and coordination across energy suppliers and regulators. Some studies suggest that blending hydrogen beyond 20% may require significant retrofitting of domestic appliances and industrial equipment.

Centrica’s trial at Brigg power station demonstrates the feasibility of integrating hydrogen with traditional gas for electricity generation. By supplying the blended gas to a working power station, the companies could monitor performance in a real operational environment, including combustion efficiency, safety, and potential impacts on equipment. The positive results are expected to provide valuable data for regulators, policymakers, and other energy providers considering hydrogen integration.

The UK has been pursuing hydrogen technology as part of its broader energy transition, with the government funding multiple hydrogen projects and strategies under the Net Zero Industrial Plan. According to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, hydrogen could supply up to 20% of the UK’s energy demand by 2050 if policies, investment, and infrastructure developments are accelerated. This includes both green hydrogen, produced from renewable energy, and blue hydrogen, generated from natural gas with carbon capture technology.

While the trial has been hailed as a success, some analysts caution that hydrogen adoption faces several challenges. Production costs remain high for green hydrogen, particularly compared to natural gas, and large-scale storage and transportation solutions are still being developed. Moreover, public understanding and acceptance of hydrogen as a safe energy source will play a key role in wider implementation.

Industry leaders emphasise the broader benefits of the Brigg trial beyond carbon reduction. In addition to reducing emissions, the project supports local economic growth and jobs. The GMB union has highlighted the potential for highly skilled employment in emerging energy technologies, particularly in regions with a strong industrial heritage. Smith added, “Innovation like this not only decarbonises energy, but also revitalises local communities with new job opportunities, training, and investment. This is a vital component of a just transition to net zero.”

Centrica and National Gas plan to continue testing hydrogen blends and exploring higher concentrations in future trials. By gradually increasing the hydrogen content in the grid, they hope to demonstrate how the UK can move toward a low-carbon energy mix while maintaining safety, reliability, and affordability for consumers.

The successful trial also aligns with international trends, as countries such as Germany, Japan, and South Korea have invested heavily in hydrogen technology for industrial and domestic applications. By positioning the UK at the forefront of hydrogen research and deployment, energy companies aim to attract global investment and create export opportunities in the emerging hydrogen economy.

Overall, the trial marks a significant milestone in Britain’s energy transition. By proving that green hydrogen can be blended into the gas grid and used to generate electricity safely and efficiently, the project provides a blueprint for future initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions. It underscores the importance of collaboration between government, industry, and labour unions to drive innovation, secure investment, and create jobs, while helping the UK meet its climate goals.

As the country continues to decarbonise its energy system, hydrogen blending could play an increasingly important role, offering a flexible, low-carbon solution that complements electrification and renewable energy expansion. The Brigg trial represents the first step toward a future where hydrogen not only powers industry but also contributes to heating homes, generating electricity, and supporting a more sustainable economy for the UK.