The initial repurposed section in Scotland, dubbed LTS Futures, is expected to serve as a blueprint for the 11,600km LTS network. SGN said the successful conversion of the LTS to hydrogen would result in a low-disruption, resilient backbone for a Net Zero energy system.

The tests analysed whether operational techniques used for natural gas transportation, such as welding and flow stopping, can be safely applied on live hydrogen pipelines.

Hydrogen was sourced from Ineos Grangemouth, Scotland’s largest industrial complex, where it is produced as a by-product of chemical operations.

Tony Green, SGN Chief Strategy and Regulation Officer, claimed the LTS Futures project proves that UK gas infrastructure can be repurposed to use alternative fuels.

“The gas network remains vital, meeting 40% of primary energy demand and powering key industries,” Green added. “Hydrogen presents a further opportunity to deliver low-carbon energy solutions.”

Last December, SGN also built a brand-new, local low-pressure distribution network dedicated to hydrogen in Fife.

Whilst it was at a smaller scale than the LTS Futures network, the H100 pipeline is designed to supply homes in Levenmouth with green hydrogen for heating and cooking.

Last year, the Scottish government announced plans to deliver up to 3.3 million tonnes of green hydrogen per year by 2045, around 90% of the nation’s current energy demand.