Centrica completes hydrogen-to-power trial at Brigg Energy Park

Energy company Centrica and hydrogen production specialists HiiROC have successfully demonstrated the injection of hydrogen into a gas-fired peak power plant at Centrica’s Brigg Energy Park, North Lincolnshire, UK.

The demonstration saw HiiROC’s modular hydrogen production technology, using Thermal Plasma Electrolysis (TPE), produce hydrogen on site, which was then blended at a 3% ratio for the purposes of a one-hour trial.

TPE differs from methane pyrolysis in that it uses the electrical field in HiiROC’s patented plasma torches to split apart hydrocarbons, rather than heat. The technology also operates at higher pressure and with a continuous flow process, rather than a batch process.

According to Centrica, the trial marks a UK first in using hydrogen to decarbonise peak power generation supplying power directly to the electricity grid.

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It is also a key milestone in demonstrating HiiROC’s TPE process, which produces hydrogen without CO2 emissions and allows the existing gas network to be leveraged rather than requiring new infrastructure to be built.

Martin Scargill, managing director, Centrica Energy Storage + said: "The success of this trial demonstrates the potential hydrogen has to reduce emissions and future proof flexible power generation such as our gas peaker plant at Brigg. As the UK looks to achieve its ambitious Clean Power 2030 targets, hydrogen has the potential to play a key whole system role in providing reliable, low carbon electricity to power UK homes and businesses when demand is at its highest."

The trial marks a step forward in Centrica’s efforts to decarbonise its portfolio of gas plants, demonstrating that existing gas infrastructure can operate on a hydrogen blend.

More broadly, says the energy company, the trial shows a viable route for delivering on decarbonisation readiness obligations for peaker generation as part of the UK’s journey to net zero.

The project is being supported by the Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC), a not-for-profit organisation working with industry, government and academia to accelerate the transition to net zero.

Rebecca Allison, chief operating officer, Net Zero Technology Centre commented on the announcement: “What was achieved at Brigg Energy Park represents a significant step towards industrial decarbonisation at scale. This UK-first trial proves what’s possible when industry collaborates to innovate. The success of this project reflects the skill and commitment of everyone involved and underscores the vital role hydrogen will play in delivering flexible, low-carbon energy.”