Gas grid decarbonisation project kicks off

Industry experts have gathered for the first meeting of a major new pan-industry project to decarbonise Britain’s gas grid.

The first meeting of Energy Networks Association’s (ENA) gas decarbonisation pathways project took place today (22 March) at the association’s headquarters in London.

The project will co-ordinate the ongoing efforts of Britain’s gas grid operators to decarbonise the country’s gas grids, whilst providing a blueprint for future plans, to help meet our climate change targets.

This follows on from a series of major new commitments from the government to decarbonise heating, announced in last week’s spring statement.

Topics on the agenda included the role that gas can play in a 2050 energy system, the key challenges to achieving emission targets by that date, and the critical energy supply and demand uncertainties.

The work will be independently undertaken by leading energy consultancy Navigant and be reviewed by some of Britain’s leading energy academics.

Further meetings will be taking place this year and Navigant will be reporting their findings in autumn 2019.

“Making sure we deliver for the public at the best value is paramount. I am grateful we have such an expert group from across the energy industry who will be able shape the work that Navigant are doing to help us further develop the pathways that leads to the decarbonisation of the gas network,” said ENA Chief Executive, David Smith.

“We welcomed the chancellor’s commitment in the spring statement to increase the amount of green gas in the system which will play an important role in helping to deliver the government’s Clean Growth Strategy.

“This is an exciting time for the gas networks as we build on the innovative work that they have already been doing to reduce emissions and now develop a plan that takes us through to 2050,” added Smith.