Cadent, the gas distribution network for the region, uses state-of-the-art robotic technology called STASS for the first time in Rochdale to repair a gas pipe nearly 130 years old.
Installed at the start of the twentieth century and buried more than four metres beneath Dane Street, it is one of the earliest pipes to provide gas to Rochdale town centre.
Developed by Synthotech, STASS (The System Two Assess Survey and Seal) is a robotic vehicle that travels through pipes, locates joints and applies a sealant to the inside of the pipe to prevent leaks.
At Dane Street, STASS entered each end of the 30-inch cast iron pipe - roughly the width of a household doorway - and travelled 100 metres in each direction (200 metres total), applying a long-lasting sealant to the joints.
Chris Campbell, Customer Operations Area Manager for Cadent in the North West, said: “This technology allows us to work on hard-to-access pipelines, including those that are wide, deeply buried or particularly old. The pipe beneath Dane Street is an example of all three challenges.
It enables us to carry out delicate, precise repairs that protect our pipe, maintain a reliable gas supply and
limit emissions, while keeping colleagues safe and improving the technology we use.
Using STASS supports Cadent’s ongoing efforts to reduce emissions and deliver a gas network that keeps people safe and warm while protecting the planet.
In 2026 alone, Cadent has invested £90 million to upgrade pipes across the North West, safeguarding gas supplies and supporting the transition to cleaner, greener gases – like biomethane.
This year, 12,500 metres of pipeline will be upgraded in Rochdale, supporting local authorities’ ambition to achieve carbon neutrality by 2038.
More information about Cadent’s planned works can be found at cadentgas.com/nw-26
Cadent is the UK’s largest gas distribution network with a 200-year legacy. We are in a unique position to build on strong foundations whilst encouraging the curiosity to think differently and the courage to embrace change. Day to day we continue to operate, maintain and innovate the UK’s largest gas network, transporting gas safely and protecting people in an emergency. Our skilled engineers and specialists remain committed to the communities we serve, working day and night to ensure gas reaches 11 million homes from Cumbria to North London and the Welsh Borders to East Anglia, to keep your energy flowing.
Here at Cadent we support the Government’s plans to reach Net Zero by 2050. That means we’re backing the introduction of hydrogen as a low carbon alternative to natural gas for the future. We know people love the controllability of gas and, with our network already in place, it makes sense to switch to the lower carbon alternative offered by hydrogen, which we believe can keep homes and businesses warm for generations to come.
Cadent manages the national gas emergency service free phone line on behalf of the gas industry - 0800 111 999*
Cadent Gas Ltd is owned by a consortium of global investors.
*All calls are recorded and may be monitored.
Ask Hugo
Your virtual assistant for gas network queries on Cadent
AI-powered by Cadent
7890 963 616
