Future of Gas Networks: The role of gas networks in a low carbon energy system

Authors: Meysam Qadrdan; Muditha Abeysekera; Jianzhong Wu; Nick Jenkins; Bethan Winter

Published in:  Part of the SpringerBriefs in Energy book series https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-66784-3

Date Published: 30 August 2019

Abstract: 

This book investigates the role of gas networks in future low-carbon energy systems, and discusses various decarbonisation pathways, providing insights for gas network operators, developers, and policy makers. As more countries around the world move towards low-carbon energy systems and increase their exploitation of renewable energy sources, the use of natural gas and the associated infrastructure is expected to undergo a substantial transformation. As such there is a great uncertainty regarding the future role of gas networks and how they will be operated in coming years.

The topics addressed include:

  • Fundamentals of gas network operation
  • The impact of variable renewable electricity generation on the operation and expansion of gas networks
  • The impact of decarbonising heat supplies on gas networks
  • Opportunities and challenges of utilising gas networks to transport alternative low-carbon gases such as bio-methane and hydrogen

 

Keywords: Gas Network; Variable Renewable Energy; Low Carbon Energy Systems; Decarbonisation of Heat Supply; Energy Efficiency

Insights for EnergyREV:

This book provides an overview of the role of gas networks in transitioning to a low- carbon energy system. As active local energy systems and large capacities of wind and other renewables penetrate our electrical power system gas networks will move to play a power balancing role and away from being the main source of energy supply.  The book presents state-of-the-art modelling approaches for analysis of the interactions between gas and electricity networks and demonstrates the impact of heat decarbonisation of gas networks. The book concludes with a discussion on the future of gas networks.