IGEM Gas Quality Standard Working Group

Completed

Fossil Fuels: Oil Gas and Coal(Oil and Gas, Other oil and gas)
Fossil Fuels: Oil Gas and Coal(Oil and Gas, Refining, transport and storage of oil and gas)

Applied Research and Development

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering)

Not Cross-cutting

Project Contact
SGN

Network Innovation Allowance

Ofgem

01 January 2017

01 January 2020

36 months

£135,986

Technical Consultancy

South East

Network Innovation Allowance

Project Contact, SGN

Project Contact, National Grid Gas Transmission
Project Contact, Northern Gas Networks
Project Contact, Cadent Gas
Project Contact, Wales and West Utilities

The objectives of the project are: Set up of a core group to drive the production of the standard and ensure appropriate representation from across the industry and supply chainIdentify and map relevant industry groups and bodies and develop a robust communication process and feedback methodIdentify links and necessary representation for these both in the UK and in the EU. Set up of sub groups (where required) which will examine the specific potential effects of a change in GS(M)R on the supply chain, industry, customers and asset ownersDevelop database of current and previous studies into gas qualitySet the Wobbe Index (WI) range appropriate for the UK initially examining the extension of the upper rangeProduction of an IGEM standard covering UK gas quality specification in order to facilitate a change from GS(M)REvaluate, identify and facilitate projects toward future gas quality changes The success criteria for the project are: Database of current and previous studies into gas quality developedProduction of 6 monthly progress reportsAgreement and approval of the IGEM standard covering UK gas quality specification in order to facilitate a change from GS(M)Completion of the review process of the IGEM standard covering UK gas quality specification in order to facilitate a change from GS(M)RAn established platform to evaluate future gas quality projects

Schedule 3 of GS(M)R 1996 sets out the minimum gas quality requirements to ensure safe operation of the system and appliances used by consumers. Gas Transporters have a legal duty not to convey gas that does not comply with these minimum requirements. The gas quality specification was based on the quality of gas originating from the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) in the North Sea at that time. Since 1996 there has been a significant shift in the domestic supply in the UK Network. Currently less than half of the gas in the UK network is provided by the North Sea and by 2020 LNG imports are projected to be significantly above this figure. As well as the continuing trend to include imported pipeline and LNG supplies there is also the drive to consider alternative sources from renewables, Shale and Hydrogen. The decline in UKCS supplies combined with the emergence of a European standard, provide a significant case to re-examine the UK gas quality standard. The Climate Change Act sets the framework for the UK to transition to a low-carbon economy. The Act requires that UK emissions of greenhouse gases in 2050 are reduced to at least 80% below 1990 levels. The UK Gas Industry is currently exploring a number of innovative projects designed to support and meet our energy needs, whilst also contributing to meeting the climate change targets. Flexible energy networks will play an important role in supporting carbon and cost reduction. Many of these innovation projects are at various stages of development. These projects address the central issue of reducing our carbon emissions whilst maintaining a safe, secure, reliable and affordable energy source for the consumer. They foresee a future scenario where our future energy needs are met with a mix of natural gas and/or other gases, renewables and low carbon sources. Schedule 3 of GSMR is a barrier to facilitating change to a lower carbon economy. Exemptions are required to circumvent the regulation leading to a regulatory burden requiring additional time and costs. Following a number of meetings with IGEM, BEIS, OFGEM and the HSE a structure has been agreed, by the industry, that will oversee the transfer of schedule 3 of GS(M)R to an industry produced standard. Simultaneously a wider review of the GSMR will be undertaken to ensure much needed changes are incorporated into the revised legislation at the same time. Why an IGEM StandardAn IGEM standard is regularly reviewed and amended and has the confidence of industry and government agencies. Incorporating Schedule 3 into an IGEM standard provides a robust approach with the flexibility of allowing the specification to be appropriately developed as and when new evidence emerges. The review of IGEM standards follows a peer review process which involves wide industry consultation. This flexibility will benefit the consumer and the industry as the nature of the composition of the gas being consumed by the UK customers’ changes. As innovation and diversity of supply continues this would present the UK with a robust, flexible, appropriate and future proofed mechanism. IGEM Gas Quality standard working groupThis group and associated sub groups will compose subject matter experts from across the gas industry and other key stakeholders. The group will meet bi-monthly for the project duration. The group will be an umbrella gas quality working group that initially considers the gas quality changes proposed in the new European Standard EN16726, the Oban (opening up the Gas Market) project, and then subsequently evaluates, identifies and facilitates projects toward gas quality changes. It will create a database of evidence in support of changes. It will potentially identify a number of offshoot projects, subject to a materiality and cost benefit assessment. IGEM RoleIGEM will take the lead in establishing and facilitating the core working group developing the standard for gas quality. This will involve engagement and consultation with industry, mapping of industry groups and identifying links and necessary representation both in the UK and in the EU. The core group will comprise key stakeholders and subject matter experts on matters relating to schedule 3 of GSMR. IGEM will develop and maintain an evidence database of all relevant studies and projects, both previous and current.Note : Project Documents may be available via the ENA Smarter Networks Portal using the Website link above

21/08/18