Hydrogen Blend Powers First UK Grid-to-Generation Trial

Centrica and National Gas have successfully completed a landmark trial, marking the first time hydrogen has been blended into the National Transmission System (NTS).

The trial took place on 9th October, 2025, and involved National Gas injecting a 2% blend of green hydrogen into the gas grid, before being blended with natural gas to generate power at Centrica’s Brigg Power Station – producing electricity directly into the power grid. This ‘real life’ UK first test shows the end-to-end potential of Hydrogen to decarbonise critical energy infrastructure.

This key milestone means British power stations, particularly those that provide flexible backup electricity when demand is high or renewable generation is low, can successfully accept hydrogen blends into their operating units. The trial proves that blending is both technically and operationally viable, offering a practical solution to support the UK’s mission for Clean Power by 2030.

Beyond power generation, blending offers wider benefits for the UK’s hydrogen economy. It creates new strategic market opportunities and demand for hydrogen producers, giving them the certainty they need to invest, which will provide new skilled job opportunities as well as making a significant contribution to UK economic growth. The trial comes alongside the completion of a government consultation on hydrogen blending into the gas network, in which the government is proposing blending up to 2% hydrogen to support the development of the UK’s hydrogen economy and decarbonise the gas grid.

National Gas has already successfully tested various hydrogen blends in a controlled environment using decommissioned sections of the NTS as part of its FutureGrid project in Cumbria. Together with Centrica, the two companies are urging the Government to provide a strategic policy decision for hydrogen blends of up to 5%. This would maximise the potential of blending, support greater investment and market certainty, while requiring minimal additional technical modifications.

Chris O'Shea, Group Chief Executive of Centrica, said: “This successful trial marks a significant milestone in the development of the UK’s hydrogen economy – an essential piece of the puzzle in the UK’s journey to a low-carbon, homegrown energy system. A whole system approach to reaching net zero and realising an emissions-free hydrogen network is where we want to get to and why we want to help production and demand scale up through blending. Not only does this enhance our energy security, it also ensures we can power the UK when the sun doesn’t shine, and the wind doesn’t blow. The results of this trial are especially exciting as we push to develop a world-leading hydrogen economy right here in the Humber – with the proposed expansion of our Green Hydrogen production facility at Easington and the development of the Humber Hydrogen Pipeline. If the Government can seize this opportunity, hydrogen can turbocharge economies like the Humber, creating jobs, boosting economic growth, and ensuring communities across the area remain at the heart of the UK’s energy transition.”

www.centrica.com