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Wales & West Utilities recently announced a groundbreaking partnership with Wild Hydrogen, a leading innovator in carbon-negative energy solutions, 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.”

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.

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.

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.

Image Credit : Wild Hydrogen