Gas Utilisation 2026

This year’s Gas Utilisation Conference convened engineers, manufacturers, policymakers and safety experts for a day of focused discussion on the challenges facing the downstream gas sector. With the pace of change accelerating, the conference examined how the industry can balance decarbonisation ambitions with the practical realities of serving customers safely and reliably. 

Opening the event, IGEM Vice President Sikander Mahmood reflected on the growing complexity of the transition. He noted that, unlike previous shifts driven by a single change, today’s landscape involves multiple developments happening simultaneously, from new fuels to evolving skills requirements. Drawing on his experience leading hydrogen blending trials at Cadent, he highlighted how innovation often raises new questions, particularly around integrating change into existing networks. He encouraged delegates to use the conference to challenge assumptions and seek practical answers. 

In his keynote address, MP for Worcester Tom Collins brought a strong focus on the human impact of energy policy. He spoke about fuel poverty and the real experiences of households struggling to heat their homes, linking cold living conditions to wider health and social outcomes. While reaffirming the government’s commitment to decarbonisation through initiatives such as the Warm Homes Plan, he stressed that public support depends on solutions that are both affordable and deliverable. Collins also pointed to the continued role of gas in supporting electricity generation and highlighted the potential of hybrid heating systems to provide flexibility for consumers. 

The first session, chaired by Jonathan Kane, CEO of Kane International, explored the energy transition from a strategic and manufacturing perspective. Baxi’s Jeff House outlined the scale of the challenge, noting that millions of homes will require intervention to meet decarbonisation targets. He emphasised that no single technology can address the diversity of the UK’s housing stock, calling for a multi-vector approach that includes electrification, heat networks and low carbon gases. 

Ryan Prince, of Northern Gas Networks, expanded on this theme by examining the role of hybrid heating systems and biomethane. He highlighted the potential for hybrids to reduce emissions while lowering upfront costs for consumers, particularly in homes that are difficult to electrify. Drawing comparisons with European markets, he argued that policy support and public awareness will be critical to unlocking their potential. He also pointed to the growth of biomethane as a means of decarbonising the existing gas network, while stressing the need for clearer long-term policy signals. 

Dr Sarah Kimpton, of DNV, provided a data-driven perspective on the UK’s energy transition outlook. Her analysis suggested that, while progress is being made, key targets for 2030, 2035 and 2050 are likely to be missed without further intervention. However, she identified positive trends, including declining energy demand, a shift away from fossil fuels and the overall affordability of the transition. She reinforced the importance of whole-system thinking, noting that gas will continue to play a role in maintaining flexibility and security. 

Following a networking break, the second session, chaired by Caroline Lane of the Health and Safety Executive, focused on safety challenges. Jon Rand of E.ON Next discussed the complexities of applying DSEAR regulations in low-pressure metering, highlighting inconsistencies in interpretation and the practical barriers to smart meter installation. He stressed that even low-pressure systems present risks and called for greater consistency across the industry. 

HomeServe’s Martin Garbutt introduced updates to IGEM/G/11 Supplement 1, addressing the growing use of carbon monoxide alarms and the implications for engineers responding to incidents. He emphasised the need for clear guidance and appropriate competencies to ensure safe outcomes. 

Steve Critchlow, of the Health and Safety Executive, delivered a powerful presentation on the misuse of LPG, sharing the story of a fatal domestic explosion to underline the real-world consequences of unsafe practices. He outlined the warning signs engineers should be aware of and called for greater awareness to prevent similar tragedies. 

The afternoon session turned to standards and competence, chaired by IGEM’s own Head of Technical and Policy Ian McCluskey. Andy Durber, of Blue Flame Associates, outlined key updates in IGEM/UP/1B Edition 4, including changes to leakage rates and installation requirements. Carl Banister, of Gas Safe Register, highlighted the organisation’s role in communicating updates and maintaining industry standards, while IGEM’s Richard Harper explained how changes are implemented through training and assessment frameworks, including the impact on ACS competencies. 

Discussion throughout the day reinforced the importance of consistency, collaboration and clear communication, particularly as new technologies and regulatory requirements emerge. Questions from delegates highlighted ongoing concerns around skills, policy stability and the practical delivery of change. 

Closing the conference, Trevor Smallpeice, Chair of the Large Business Forum, reflected on the breadth of issues discussed, from innovation and policy to safety and standards. He emphasised that while the path ahead is complex, the industry has the expertise and commitment needed to adapt, provided it continues to work together and keep the needs of customers at the centre of the transition.

A big thank you to our event sponsers; Kane, Cadent, National Gas, Northern Gas Networks, SGN, Wales & West Utilities. Plus, our event exhibitors;  7 Solutions, Clesse, DNV, Gas Safe Register, Gas Safety Shop, Geberit, Ideal Heating, LSBUD, MGISS, Abriox, Satelytics, Steve Vick, Teledyne and Tower.

• View all the presentations from this year’s Gas Utilisation Conference via our online video channel IGEMtv.