The UK faces a critical energy trilemma: balancing security, affordability and sustainability while transitioning to a low-carbon future.
With gas storage equivalent to only ~12 days of demand (including Rough) - well below the ~100-day average across European peers - the UK remains exposed to supply disruptions and price volatility.
The Bains project, a depleted natural gas reservoir in the East Irish Sea Basin, is being developed into an underground geological gas storage (UGS) facility. Once operational, it will substantially increase the UK’s gas storage capacity, strengthening energy security. It also provides a potential pathway to future large-scale hydrogen storage, supporting decarbonisation objectives.
This paper presents the findings of a pre-FEED hydrogen readiness assessment for the Bains development. The study evaluates whether infrastructure currently being designed for natural gas service can be repurposed for future hydrogen use, either for hydrogen blending or full hydrogen service. This question underpins the project’s hydrogen readiness strategy, identifying which components require early hydrogen-ready design and which can be deferred under uncertainty.
A multidisciplinary review across key systems - including pipelines, compression, flow assurance, dehydration, and safety - is combined with insights from evolving industry standards and recent hydrogen projects. The results highlight that hydrogen readiness is system-dependent, requiring targeted upgrades in areas such as compression, materials, and safety systems, while other elements may remain broadly compatible. A flexible, real-options based approach is therefore recommended to balance upfront investment with future adaptability.