Smarter Grid, Cleaner Air: AI Trial Delivers Major Methane Emissions Cut

Image Credit: SGN

Energy network SGN and British tech company Utonomy have concluded a six-month trial that could shape the future of gas distribution in the UK. The two organisations have joined forces to test how advanced pressure control, powered by artificial intelligence, can significantly reduce methane emissions from the gas grid, and the results are promising.

The trial took place between October 2024 and March 2025, spanning five SGN regions in southern England. At the heart of the operation was Utonomy’s AI-powered platform, UtonomyOne, which uses dynamic pressure management to respond to real-time network conditions.

Instead of relying on static pressure settings, the system continuously adjusted output based on demand fluctuations and weather forecasts.

That real-time responsiveness made a measurable difference. On average, methane leakage was reduced by 16% in areas where the system was active. In addition, SGN managed to reduce governor pressure levels by up to 31 per cent, a crucial factor, since higher pressure directly correlates with higher methane loss.

What made this innovation even more impactful was its foresight. The system could anticipate cold snaps or other sudden shifts in energy demand and adjust accordingly. This helped avoid the flood of alarm signals typically triggered by traditional pressure controls. It was a smoother, smarter approach, and just as safe. Not once during the trial did pressure levels fall below the legal minimum.

The implications go beyond operational efficiency. This technology could play a significant role in helping the UK reach its net-zero goals. Methane, although shorter-lived than carbon dioxide, is a far more potent greenhouse gas. Reducing its release from the gas network is an urgent challenge, and one that SGN is determined to meet head-on.

This project is part of SGN’s broader £6 million Intelligent Gas Grid programme, which Ofgem’s Strategic Innovation Fund backs. The programme is focused on building a gas infrastructure that is not just reliable but also cleaner, smarter, and fully aligned with a low-carbon future. Digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and predictive systems are at the centre of that vision.

Richard Buckley, SGN Head of Network Management (Distribution), said:

“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.

“This trial demonstrates how intelligent, self-optimising systems can drive a more efficient, lower-emission gas network built for the future.

“We’re excited for the next phase of the Intelligent Gas Grid project, which will leverage AI and an expanded dataset over a longer period to help gas networks predict anomalies before they occur and accelerate the integration of renewable green gases like biomethane.”

Adam Kingdon, founder and CEO of Utonomy, said: “We are delighted to be working with SGN, Cadent, Wales & West Utilities, Northern Gas Networks, National Gas and DNV on this very exciting project to create the gas grid of the future.

“The UtonomyOne Intelligent Control trial results are exactly what we were aiming for. If the technology were rolled out nationwide, it would have a big impact on Britain’s methane emissions as well as network operating costs.”