UK’s first hydrogen-to-power trial at Brigg Energy Park demonstrates hydrogen’s potential to decarbonise peak generation using existing gas infrastructure.
Centrica, in partnership with HiiROC and with support from the Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC), has successfully completed the United Kingdom’s first trial of hydrogen injection into a gas-fired peak power plant at Centrica’s Brigg Energy Park in North Lincolnshire. Conducted on Thursday, 11 September, the trial represents a pioneering step in the use of hydrogen to decarbonise peaker power generation, delivering electricity directly to the national grid while exploring the potential of hydrogen as a low-carbon fuel.
For this trial, HiiROC supplied hydrogen using its modular production system based on Thermal Plasma Electrolysis (TPE). Hydrogen generated on-site was blended into the plant’s gas supply at a ratio of 3% for a one-hour demonstration. This approach illustrates a practical and scalable method for integrating hydrogen into existing energy infrastructure, potentially enabling the decarbonisation of gas-fired generation without the need for entirely new power plants.
The trial aligns with Centrica’s broader strategy to explore innovative, low-carbon solutions for its portfolio of gas plants. By demonstrating that conventional gas peaker plants can operate effectively on hydrogen-enriched fuel, the project shows that reliable electricity can continue to be delivered to UK homes and businesses while significantly reducing carbon emissions. More broadly, it provides a potential blueprint for meeting the UK’s decarbonisation readiness requirements for peak generation, a critical component of the nation’s net-zero ambitions.
From HiiROC’s perspective, the trial is a major milestone in showcasing the efficiency, affordability, and environmental benefits of the TPE process. Notably, this method produces hydrogen without CO2 emissions, fully complying with the UK’s Low Carbon Hydrogen Standard (LCHS). By producing hydrogen locally and blending it into the existing gas network, operators can advance decarbonisation while avoiding costly new infrastructure, highlighting the strategic advantage of hydrogen for future energy systems.
Martin Scargill, Managing Director of Centrica Energy Storage, commented: “The success of this trial demonstrates the significant potential of hydrogen to reduce emissions and future-proof flexible power generation, such as our gas peaker plant at Brigg. As the UK works toward its Clean Power 2030 targets, hydrogen can play a crucial role in delivering reliable, low-carbon electricity during peak demand. I am proud of the innovative work being carried out here on the Humber, which has the potential to transform energy generation for the future.”
Tim Davies, Chief Executive of HiiROC, added: “We are delighted with the outcome of the injection trial. This achievement reflects the dedication of the joint project team and represents a major step toward making clean, affordable hydrogen widely available, helping the UK meet its Clean Power goals for 2030 and beyond.”
Rebecca Allison, Chief Operating Officer at the Net Zero Technology Centre, emphasized: “The Brigg Energy Park trial represents a key advance in industrial decarbonisation. This UK-first initiative illustrates the power of collaboration in innovation and demonstrates the pivotal role hydrogen will play in providing flexible, low-carbon energy for the future.”
