Ofgem funding kick starts innovative project to reduce the impact of gas leakage

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David-Moon-(1).JPG Dave Moon, Director of Asset Management explains SIF funding for Cadent Project

Cadent have been awarded £115,000 by the Ofgem's Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) to launch an eight-week project to combat the impact of gas network leakage.

Reducing emissions from leakage is a key part of our work to achieve our Net Zero targets.

This intensive eight-week project will investigate the potential use of cutting-edge technology and data from Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology, satellite imaging, and mobile emissions detectors on drones, amongst other smart technology to enable more accurate operational and investment planning decisions. Unlocking this new intelligence using these technologies will ultimately work to reduce our environmental impact and keep our customers safe, warm and offer them savings on their bills. 

Cadent are working in partnership with National Grid Gas Transmission (NGGT), SGN, and Guidehouse Europe Limited, this discovery phase will quickly horizon scan opportunities for dynamic leak location and mitigation approaches, which will give real-time and dynamic assessments of gas leakage.

David Moon, Director of Asset Management, said:” I’m delighted that we’ve been awarded this funding from Ofgem. It’s recognition of the innovative thinking and passion to develop solutions to challenges we face. We’re going to be working hard, over a very short period to get this project off the ground.”

Dave continued: “Our emissions reduction pathways have historically been very good, for example, each Distribution Network outperformed regulators targets during the 2014 to 2021 price control period. We know we can always go the extra mile. This project will explore the use of cutting-edge technologies to help us to improve our understanding and confidence of leakage volumes and locations, not only within Cadent, but it has the potential to be rolled out to other GDNs in the UK and around the world.”

The Ofgem SIF was launched this year with an intention of allocating £450 million over five years, to organisations to bring forward energy network innovation.

If you’re interested in finding out more, watch this video by Matt Marshall, Design Specialist.

 

Cadent

Cadent is the UK’s largest gas distribution network with a 200-year legacy.  We are in a unique position to build on strong foundations whilst encouraging the curiosity to think differently and the courage to embrace change.  Day to day we continue to operate, maintain and innovate the UK’s largest gas network, transporting gas safely and protecting people in an emergency.   Our skilled engineers and specialists remain committed to the communities we serve, working day and night to ensure gas reaches 11 million homes from Cumbria to North London and the Welsh Borders to East Anglia, to keep your energy flowing. 

Future of Gas: Here at Cadent we support the Government’s plans to reach Net Zero by 2050. That means we’re backing the introduction of hydrogen as a low carbon alternative to natural gas for the future. We know people love the controllability of gas and, with our network already in place, it makes sense to switch to the lower carbon alternative offered by hydrogen, which we believe can keep homes and businesses warm for generations to come.

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