SPS wins 2 contracts from SGN under NIA scheme

SPS has won 2 contracts from SGN to develop the MASiP pipeline system to be ready for use on the UK gas network. This includes an independent assessment of the technology readiness of its whole system by Lloyds Register and then the detailed design of a qualification test program to qualify it for use and bring a range of system aspects up the TRL scale. The MASiP pipeline system includes three subsystems. The pipe structure itself, the mobile manufacturing system and the helical optical fiber digital pipeline monitoring system. The contracts will also develop a higher-pressure version of the pipe structure and required manufacturing system as it is foreseen that hydrogen pipelines will require higher pressure ratings – especially for fatigue- than the current gas network operates at.

The contract awards are under the Network Innovation Allowance (NIA). Network licensees make the decisions as to which innovation projects they want to take forward with their NIA. This is a valuable scheme for innovators like SPS as it provides not just funding but also insight into network operator requirements and a route to market for innovations that are able to benefit consumers- such as the energy transition benefits.

These contracts pave the way for the development of MASiP as a full network ready system including repair procedures, available to all UK Gas Networks.

SGN is a leading Gas Pipeline network operator in the UK delivering gas to about 6million users across 44,000 miles of pipelines in two networks: Scotland and Southern England. It has a number of innovative projects to introduce hydrogen into the gas networks as the carrier for a sustainable network. They have a strong commitment to operating a net zero energy network .