Energy network SGN and UK technology company Utonomy have successfully completed a six-month trial showcasing how advanced pressure control can substantially reduce methane emissions from Britain's gas grid.

The results, unveiled today, mark a significant step towards developing a smarter gas network aligned with the UK's net zero ambitions.

Conducted between October 2024 and March 2025 across five SGN regions in southern England, the trial utilised dynamic pressure management powered by Utonomy's AI-driven platform, UtonomyOne. This innovative approach resulted in a projected average reduction of 16% in total methane leakage on any section of the network where this equipment is installed. The system optimises network pressure by automatically adjusting it in real-time response to demand and weather conditions, while also anticipating changes to avoid traditional alarm surges. As a direct result, SGN successfully reduced average governor pressures by up to 31%, a critical factor in curbing methane loss, which increases with pressure. Importantly, the trial maintained full regulatory compliance, with no instances of pressure dropping below statutory minimums.

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This breakthrough forms a cornerstone of SGN's £6 million Intelligent Gas Grid (IGG) programme, funded by Ofgem's Strategic Innovation Fund. The IGG programme is actively exploring how digitalisation, AI, and green innovation can reshape gas networks for a decarbonised energy future. Richard Buckley, SGN Head of Network Management (Distribution), commented: "Tackling methane leakage is a key focus for us. By harnessing advanced pressure management and machine learning, we can achieve meaningful reductions today while modernising network operations." He added that the trial demonstrates how intelligent, self-optimising systems can drive a more efficient, lower-emission gas network for the future.

Adam Kingdon, founder and CEO of Utonomy, expressed his delight in collaborating with various gas networks on this project to create the gas grid of the future. He stated that the UtonomyOne Intelligent Control trial results are "exactly what we were aiming for." Mr Kingdon believes that if the technology were rolled out nationwide, it would have a significant impact on Britain's methane emissions and network operating costs. The UtonomyOne solution, as deployed in this trial, is set to be commercially available from August 2025.