Wild Hydrogen and Wales & West Utilities partnership to explore how biogenic waste technology could help decarbonise the gas network
Wild Hydrogen, a leading innovator in carbon-negative energy solutions, is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Wales & West Utilities to explore the transformative potential of its Rising Pressure Reformer (RiPR) technology in decarbonising the UK’s gas network.
Rising Pressure Reformer (RiPR) technology turns biogenic material, ranging from waste materials to grasses, into hydrogen through supercritical water gasification (SCWG). Biogenic material is anything generated by living organisms. This includes things like plant matter but also hydrocarbons such as plastics.
Unlike many existing hydrogen production technologies, the RiPR process does not involve electrolysis, meaning it requires less electricity.
This collaborative effort, supported by funding from Ofgem, will deliver on three critical objectives:
- Assessing the capability of RiPR technology to deliver low carbon synthetic methane, and as policy evolves up to 20% blended hydrogen, into the gas grid.
- Evaluating the viability of Wild Hydrogen’s novel gas proposition, including identifying potential suitable sites for RiPR installations on the gas network.
- Developing a roadmap to scale up RiPR’s hydrogen production alongside biomethane, including assessing associated factors and costs.
James Milner, CEO of Wild Hydrogen, commented:
“This partnership marks a significant step forward in harnessing RiPR’s potential to produce carbon-negative biomethane and hydrogen. By aligning with Wales & West Utilities, we’re addressing key challenges to achieve a decarbonised energy future, ensuring both environmental and economic sustainability.”
James Milner recently shared further insights into the importance of exploiting the gas grid for decarbonisation in his latest innovation insight piece. He highlights how existing infrastructure provides a crucial opportunity to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon energy system. Read more here.
Wild Hydrogen is currently in its third seed round, raising £6 million ahead of a planned Series A in 2026. These funds will support the development of Wild Hydrogen’s innovative carbon-negative energy solutions, including the upcoming 1 MW commercial demonstrator plant, which will showcase the potential for large-scale hydrogen and biomethane production. The company is also preparing to celebrate its third anniversary in February 2025, marking a milestone in its journey to revolutionise the energy sector.
Wales & West Utilities is the company that look after the pipes that keep the gas flowing, serving 7.5m people across Wales and south west England. They operate the gas emergency service, connect new homes and businesses, and upgrade the gas network so it’s safe today and fit for the future. The company is committed to playing their part in delivering a net zero energy transition, harnessing the power of green gases like hydrogen and biomethane.
Speaking on behalf of WWU, Matt Hindle, Head of Net Zero & Sustainability, added:
“At WWU, we are continuing to develop partnerships with innovators like Wild Hydrogen to understand how new sources of clean gas could help deliver on our net zero ambitions. This will help us explore how we can repurpose our 35,000km of pipeline for green gases like hydrogen and biomethane and provide learning we can share across the industry. This project is an exciting part of the puzzle, exploring how we can diversify the sources of green gas in our network and help us deliver safe, secure energy for customers throughout the low carbon transition.”
The findings from this essential research, due by December 2025, will be shared with other UK gas grid utilities to promote industry-wide advancements. This collaboration demonstrates the critical role of innovation and partnership in achieving the UK’s Net Zero targets.
For media enquiries, please contact:
- Wild Hydrogen – Nadia Shahanaz Hussain nadia@wildhydrogen.com
- Wales & West Utilities – Nicola Jenkins nicola@create-comms.co.uk
ABOUT WILD HYDROGEN
Wild Hydrogen is pioneering carbon-negative energy solutions through its innovative Rising Pressure Reformer (RiPR) technology. By converting biogenic waste into hydrogen and biomethane, Wild Hydrogen is driving the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy system.
ABOUT WALES & WEST UTILITIES
Wales & West Utilities manages the gas network for 7.5 million people across Wales and the South West of England. Responsible for maintaining and upgrading 35,000km of pipeline, they ensure a safe and reliable gas supply while supporting the transition to a net zero energy future.
