Wood, a global engineering and consulting company, is partnering with National Gas to modernize and enhance Britain's gas transmission system, ensuring its security and sustainability in line with energy transition goals. National Gas is the operator of the entire gas transmission system in Great Britain and has engaged Wood to digitally upgrade essential infrastructure, including pipelines, compressor stations, and terminals, covering a total of 7,600km.

Under a five-year framework agreement, Wood will leverage digital solutions to transform National Gas's critical assets into modern, cyber-secure technology across its entire network of vital facilities throughout Britain.

In addition to this transformation, Wood is providing specialized hydrogen studies to National Gas, supporting the company's ambition to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Wood's advanced digital twin solution, Wood Virtuoso®, will analyze the properties of blended hydrogen and natural gas. This analysis will offer insights into the potential for repurposing the National Transmission System (NTS) infrastructure to transport hydrogen on 25% of its pipelines, which could significantly contribute to carbon emissions reduction.

The introduction of up to 20% hydrogen blending into the gas grid alongside conventional natural gas has the potential to save approximately six million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

Azad Hessamodini, Wood’s Executive President of Consulting, emphasized the connection between digitalization and decarbonization, highlighting Wood's ability to deliver practical solutions that align with the industry's net zero objectives. He expressed pride in collaborating with National Gas to create an upgraded and secure digital system that meets the evolving demands of the UK's energy landscape. By combining expertise in hydrogen and digital technology, Wood is also facilitating National Gas's transition to low-carbon fuels through hydrogen blending, thereby supporting the UK's net zero aspirations.

The National Transmission System (NTS) was constructed several decades ago, and its technology is now approaching the end of its design life. As an independent systems integrator, Wood will optimize and modernize various systems, promoting innovation and enhancing overall performance to contribute to the energy transition and sustainability goals.