Terra Firma Energy – 18 September 2025

Centrica and hydrogen technology specialist HiiROC have successfully completed the UK’s first trial using hydrogen to cut emissions from a gas-fired peaking plant.

The one-hour demonstration took place at Centrica’s Brigg Energy Park in North Lincolnshire, with support from the Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC). A 3% hydrogen blend was injected into the site’s existing gas turbines, proving that hydrogen can be used to decarbonise peak power generation without major infrastructure changes.

Unlike continuous power stations, “peaker” plants are designed to step in during periods of high electricity demand. Decarbonising this type of generation is critical to achieving the UK’s climate targets.

The hydrogen was produced on-site by HiiROC using its Thermal Plasma Electrolysis (TPE) process, which generates clean hydrogen without CO₂ emissions and complies with the UK’s Low Carbon Hydrogen Standard. Producing hydrogen exactly where it’s needed, and feeding it directly into the existing gas network, offers a cost-effective and scalable route to lower-carbon power.

Martin Scargill, Managing Director at Centrica Energy Storage +, said:

“This trial demonstrates the potential hydrogen has to reduce emissions and future-proof flexible power generation such as our Brigg peaker plant. As the UK works towards its Clean Power 2030 goals, hydrogen can play a vital role in delivering reliable, low-carbon electricity when demand is at its highest.”

Tim Davies, Chief Executive of HiiROC, added:

“This achievement brings us one step closer to delivering affordable, clean hydrogen at scale.”

Rebecca Allison, Chief Operating Officer at NZTC, commented:

“This UK-first trial proves what’s possible when industry collaborates to innovate, and highlights hydrogen’s role in delivering flexible, low-carbon energy.”