Projects
Projects: Projects for Investigator |
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| Reference Number | NIA_NGN_454 | |
| Title | Heat Networks - Optimising Stranded Assets | |
| Status | Completed | |
| Energy Categories | Fossil Fuels: Oil Gas and Coal(Oil and Gas, Refining, transport and storage of oil and gas) 100%; | |
| Research Types | Applied Research and Development 100% | |
| Science and Technology Fields | ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering) 100% | |
| UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation | Not Cross-cutting 100% | |
| Principal Investigator |
Project Contact Northern Gas Networks |
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| Award Type | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Funding Source | Ofgem | |
| Start Date | 01 September 2024 | |
| End Date | 28 February 2025 | |
| Duration | ENA months | |
| Total Grant Value | £167,313 | |
| Industrial Sectors | Energy | |
| Region | Yorkshire & Humberside | |
| Programme | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Investigators | Principal Investigator | Project Contact , Northern Gas Networks |
| Web Site | https://smarter.energynetworks.org/projects/NIA_NGN_454 |
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| Objectives | DNV is proposing a desktop study to consider the feasibility of repurposing gas mains for heat networks, an innovative solution to address potentially otherwise stranded assets. This has not been previously considered by the GDNs, but if successful would provide an alternative use for the gas network should decommissioning be required as part of the energy transition. The study will explore the following in order to assess the feasibility:Practicalities of converting PE gas pipes into a heat network such as:Material suitability,Gas pipe fittings and non-pipe components (valves etc.),Heat transfer conditions,Capacity and operation evaluation,Impact of required street-works.Regulationand standards for converting PE gas pipes into a heat network such as:Regulatory barriers including issues or changes needed. These will include licencing and permitting required for construction and operation to broader changes required to the GDNs licences.Legislative direction including the Energy Act 2023, including Ofgem becoming the heat network regulator, barriers to market growth e.g. ensuring heat network developers can access powers equivalent to gas / electricity utilities such as to excavate roadways.Environmental regulations, e.g. water, emissions, visual impact, noise, odours, biodiversity impact.Guidance such as that produced by the Heat Trust.Commercial impactof converting PE gas pipes into a heat network such as:Return on assets,Cost-benefit analysis, including social value. Stage 1 - Heat supply, demand and networks description:DNV will conduct a technology review, detailing the key processes and mechanisms required in heat networks. The review will cover heat supply, demand and network strategies.Stage gate: presentation and chapter of the final report.Stage 2- Technical feasibility assessment:DNV will assess the suitability of current gas network pipeline infrastructure for use in heat network distribution. The focus will be on PE pipelines of 4 barg and below, although brief consideration of high pressure pipelines will be made.Stage gate: presentation and chapter of the final report.Stage 3 - Non-technical feasibility assessment:DNV will assess other factors (such as regulations, standards and commercial), in excess of the technical practicalities that could impact the feasibility.Stage gate and go/no go decision for stage 4: presentation and chapter of the final report.Stage 4 - Case studies:DNV will develop two case studies to illustrate the network capability and water-pipe-ground heat transfer characteristics when repurposing existing PE gas infrastructure for a heat network. This will include network analysis using DNVs Synergi Liquid software, which includes a hydraulic modelling module for heat networks. This study will require a suitable Synergi Gas network model to be supplied by each GDN. Each case study will include a cost-benefit analysis..Stage gate: presentation and final report. Stage 1 Heat supply, demand and networks descriptionDevelop heat demand archetypes - 3-5 archetypes developed and agreed using learning generated from the desktop study and DNV knowhowDescribe heat supply options (e.g. industry surplus heat, geothermal, solar, biomass, biomethane and combined heat and power) - Learning generated and reported based on desktop study and DNV know howDescribe heat network infrastructure - Learning generated and reported based on desktop study and DNV know howStage 2 Suitability AssessmentIdentify technical barriers that could impact the conversion of PE gas networks to heat networks - Information will be gathered from up to 10 specialist interviews with stakeholdersIdentify possible solutions to overcome barriers -Learning generated and reported based on desktop study and DNV know howAssess customer suitability (generically as per the archetypes defined in Stage 1) for a heat network - Narrative will be developed around the simplicity of exchange, level of disruption for customers, degree of monitoring equipment/infrastructure that can be reused, and high-level cost savingsIdentify advantages of repurposing gas mains - Learning generated and reported based on desktop study and DNV know howStage 3 Further feasibility considerationsIdentify regulatory, standards barriers and required developments to repurposing - Learning generated and reported based on desktop study and DNV knowhow, including internal and external stakeholder engagement, utilising opportunities during suitability assessment.Identify commercial impact of repurposing gas mains - Learning generated and reported based on desktop study and DNV knowhowStage 4 Case studiesDevelop two plausible case studies - One case study developed for an agreed location in each of NGNs and GNIs licence areas. | |
| Abstract | GDNs have committed to replace allat risk iron pipes with polyethylene (PE) by 2032. This initiative has and will continue to be a significant investment of customer money. To avoid the stranding of these assets and further investment of customer money, GDNs are seeking alternative ways to operate and evolve their current gas networks to suit future requirements. It is considered that a PE network could be suited for use in heat networks such as district heating, leading to benefits for existing customers.The output from this project will be a feasibility study that produces a report and dissemination piece. This study will inform GDNs, heat network providers, councils and local area planners about regulatory requirements, commercial viability, any technical or operational challenges. | |
| Data | No related datasets |
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| Projects | No related projects |
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| Publications | No related publications |
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| Added to Database | 09/04/25 | |
