Source · Select Committees · Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
Recommendation 19
19
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 145
Metering is an essential component of any use case for hydrogen in domestic settings.
Conclusion
Metering is an essential component of any use case for hydrogen in domestic settings. We have heard that the current generation of gas smart meters are designed to measure volume flows of natural gas which are much lower than hydrogen volume flows for the same energy delivery, so are unlikely to be compatible. Larger volume capacity meters, or alternatives which measure mass flow, may be required.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the need for meter accuracy, especially distinguishing between hydrogen blends and 100% hydrogen, and states that the OPSS and suppliers are working to ensure meter accuracy.
Paragraph Reference:
145
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Office for Product Safety & Standards (OPSS), part of BEIS, is responsible for the metrological accuracy of gas meters (i.e. ensuring meters correctly register the quantity supplied within the permitted margins of error) and supporting regulations. For meter accuracy there must be a distinction between measuring of hydrogen blends (up to 20–23% hydrogen) and 100% hydrogen. • Blending up to 20–23%; most meters are expected to continue measuring within the accuracy limits, although there has been limited testing to date but government plans to continue to work with meter manufacturers to provide assurance on accuracy requirements. Licenced energy suppliers (‘suppliers’) are responsible for the accuracy of the meters they use for billing. In a scenario where blending caused meters to exceed accuracy limits, the supplier would be legally responsible for removing and replacing those meters. OPSS is working with suppliers and meter manufacturers to build evidence that domestic meter types can remain in service where blending takes place. • For blends above 23% to 100% hydrogen; it is expected that currently installed meters would not be appropriate for accurate hydrogen measurement. Current existing measuring technologies such as diaphragm, ultrasonic and thermal mass flow will be capable of measuring hydrogen at 100%, but the meters currently installed (using these principles) are calibrated for methane and would need to be replaced to measure the higher blends and up to 100% hydrogen. The higher flow rates required for 100% hydrogen may steer the industry toward measurement of mass, but other technologies can also be developed for 100% hydrogen (so long as they are approved and meet the requirements of the regulations). For some technologies, or mixes of technologies, it is plausible that ‘hydrogen ready’ meters will be possible (but which may still need changes to their configuration/ firmware ‘Over the Air’ or ‘in-situ’, a function which is not commonly undertaken in domestic regulated measuring instruments), which can measure 100% natural gas (methane) and 100% hydrogen, and anything in between but government is not aware of any currently approved/available; and so it has not been possible to prove if they are suitable or economically viable.