Oxford Flow Deploys IM-S Gas Regulators in Germany’s First Mainland Project

Oxford Flow has deployed its IM-S gas regulators in Germany for the first time, with EWE-Netz installing six units as part of a trial that could modernize hundreds of legacy regulators across its network.

(P&GJ) — Oxford Flow has completed its first mainland European deployment of IM-S gas regulators, with German distribution system operator (DSO) EWE-Netz installing six IMS050S units with PRX2 pilots.

The regulators replaced aging 2-inch models nearing the end of their service life. With hundreds of legacy regulators still in use across its network, EWE-Netz plans to evaluate performance over the next three months before deciding on a broader rollout.

Oxford Flow’s technology was selected after a competitive assessment against leading European suppliers, with reliability, compact design, and low-maintenance requirements cited as key factors.

Europe’s gas networks face mounting pressure to modernize infrastructure in line with decarbonization and hydrogen-readiness goals under the EU’s 2024 Hydrogen and Decarbonized Gas Market Package. Germany alone has more than 250 DSOs serving over 20 million customers, many relying on infrastructure nearing obsolescence.

“Right across the continent, operators are contending with the dual challenge of ageing infrastructure and growing pressure to meet decarbonization and hydrogen integration targets,” said Faris Churcher, Business Lead - Gas & Energy Transition at Oxford Flow. “IM-S was engineered for exactly this environment — offering both economic and environmental gains by extending asset life, reducing emissions and minimizing maintenance.”

The IM-S series complies with EN 334 standards for gas pressure regulators, supports inlet pressures up to 10 MPa, and is hydrogen-ready by design. Oxford Flow said the deployment builds on its momentum in the UK and signals its planned expansion across Europe.