What’s the Problem?

To support the net zero transition, Northern Gas Networks (NGN) are looking to increase the amount of biomethane injected into their network over the next five years, both from existing sites and new connections.

Current manual control processes mean that parts of the network are constrained and unable to accommodate additional biomethane injection; this is something which NGN are seeking to overcome.

Where injection points interact with district governors, pressure management decisions can affect whether biomethane can be accepted, reduced or refused. This creates uncertainty for producers and means that some biomethane potential is being missed.

Preferred Output

NGN would like to identify, design and trial a smart control approach that can safely rebalance local network operations to prioritise biomethane entry where technically appropriate, whilst maintaining statutory pressure, gas quality, customer supply and control room operability requirements.

NGN would like to explore the possibility of utilising data-led, automated control strategies to help manage changing biomethane production, local demand, seasonal conditions and forecast network flows. The aim is also to develop a consistent method for identifying candidate zones where this approach will be beneficial, including the modelling of benefits and determining whether this approach can avoid or reduce reinforcement and/or improve capacity utilisation.

Deadline

The deadline for this opportunity is 11.59pm on 29 October 2026.

Q&A Registration

The Q&A for this opportunity will take place on 16 October 2026 at 11am; you can register to attend below. Please email your questions by 5pm on 14 October 2026, marking your message with the name of this opportunity.