Joint Centrica and HiiROC trial proves cleaner power for peak energy demand
Centrica and hydrogen technology specialist HiiROC have successfully demonstrated the use of hydrogen in a gas-fired peak power plant, marking a UK first in the decarbonisation of flexible electricity generation.
The one-hour trial, last week at Centrica’s Brigg Energy Park in North Lincolnshire and supported by the Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC), injected hydrogen at a 3% blend into the plant’s existing gas turbines.
HiiROC produced the hydrogen on site using its Thermal Plasma Electrolysis (TPE) process, which creates clean hydrogen without CO₂ emissions and meets the UK’s Low Carbon Hydrogen Standard.
By generating hydrogen exactly where it is needed and feeding it directly into the existing gas network, the trial demonstrated a cost-effective way to decarbonise peak power generation without major infrastructure changes.
Such “peaker” plants provide critical backup electricity during periods of high demand, meaning their decarbonisation is key to achieving national climate goals.
Martin Scargill, Managing Director, Centrica Energy Storage +, said: “The success of this trial demonstrates the potential hydrogen has to reduce emissions and future proof flexible power generation such as our gas peaker plant at Brigg. As the UK looks to achieve its ambitious Clean Power 2030 targets, hydrogen has the potential to play a key whole system role in providing reliable, low carbon electricity to power UK homes and businesses when demand is at its highest.”
Tim Davies, Chief Executive of HiiROC, added: “This achievement is a testament to the hard work of the joint team, and it brings us one step closer to delivering affordable, clean hydrogen.”
Rebecca Allison, Chief Operating Officer at NZTC, said the UK-first trial “proves what’s possible when industry collaborates to innovate” and highlights hydrogen’s “vital role in delivering flexible, low-carbon energy.”
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