Bio CNG – SIU Feasibility Study

Completed

Renewable Energy Sources(Bio-Energy)

Applied Research and Development

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering)

Not Cross-cutting

Project Contact
SGN - Scotland

Network Innovation Allowance

Ofgem

01 February 2022

31 July 2022

ENA months

£36,750

Energy

Scotland

Network Innovation Allowance

Project Contact, SGN - Scotland

Project Contact, SGN - Southern England

Project Contact, SGN

The project will follow a 3-phase approach aligned with the scope of the work packages detailed in the scope, below:Phase 1 – Logistics chain.Phase 2 – SIU Operational Plan.Phase 3 – Engineering/asset requirements. The project will consist of 4 Work Packages as follows: Work Pack 1: Logistics chainProcess model to ascertain the “real” capacity of CNG trailers.Logistics programme comprising of:Operating model.Costs.Risks.Recommendations on key steps to set up.Work Pack 2: SIU Operational planHigh-level concept / design document detailing the assets required to facilitate CNG injection at the two SIU locations. Operational plan at a high-level covering: - Daily operations, for SGN specified 80:20 split.Variable plan. Assess COMAH requirements. GSMR compliance requirements for gas quality.Work Pack 3: Engineering/asset requirementsHigh level concept design document for both sites for RTL facility and CNG gas injection. Preliminary general arrangement drawing for RTL facility and CNG injection point. Preliminary ELD for RTL facility and CNG injection point.Work Pack 4: Future Viability of Methane-Based FuelsTechnical note concluding viability of methane-based fuels both nationally and specifically for the SIUs in question.Summary on the consumer benefits of a local, Scotland based CNG biomethane renewable energy source including CO2 reduction benefits. The objective of this Project is to deliver a feasibility study covering the transportation and use of biomethane compressed natural gas at the two SIU locations at Wick and Thurso. The study will cover three aspects of the potential to utilise a Scottish biomethane CNG alternative to LNG, these include:The logistics chain between the biomethane production facility and the SIUs focusing on security of supply considerations.Operational feasibility of utilising biomethane CNG.Engineering and asset requirements to implement the biomethane solution.The study will focus on the need to de-carbonise all SGN gas networks including the SIU networks in line with government targets. The expected outcome is the provision of a feasibility study detailing the operational and logistical requirements to provide eighty percent of the two SIU networks annual energy requirements by Scottish produced biomethane CNG. The study will include all associated legislative safety, engineering governance and associated standards, along with consumer benefits and carbon savings.

The UK has committed to a target of Net Zero emissions by 2050, with Scotland committing to 2045. To achieve these decarbonisation targets, the energy system must evolve from current fossil fuel dependency to low carbon alternatives. All four SGN SIU mainland networks currently utilise liquefied natural gas (LNG) sourced from the Isle of Grain LNG terminal in Kent, which is ultimately derived from fossil fuel sources at locations around the world and transported to the UK by bulk carriers. This feasibility study will cover three aspects of the potential to utilise a Scottish biomethane CNG alternative; these include the logistics chain between the biomethane production facility and the SIUs focusing on security of supply considerations, operational feasibility of utilising biomethane CNG and engineering and asset requirements to implement the biomethane solution with associated carbon savings.

14/10/22