Projects
Projects: Projects for Investigator |
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| Reference Number | CAD_SIF0002 | |
| Title | Digital Platform for Leakage Analytics – Alpha Round 1 | |
| 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 No email address given Cadent Gas |
|
| Award Type | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Funding Source | Ofgem | |
| Start Date | 01 August 2022 | |
| End Date | 01 January 1970 | |
| Duration | 6 months | |
| Total Grant Value | £495,134 | |
| Industrial Sectors | Energy | |
| Region | London | |
| Programme | ||
| Investigators | Principal Investigator | Project Contact , Cadent Gas (99.999%) |
| Other Investigator | Project Contact , Cadent Central (0.001%) |
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| Industrial Collaborator | Project Contact , Wales and West Utilities (0.000%) Project Contact , National Grid Gas Transmission (0.000%) Project Contact , Northern Gas Networks (0.000%) Project Contact , SGN (0.000%) |
|
| Web Site | https://smarter.energynetworks.org/projects/CAD_SIF0002 |
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| Objectives | ||
| Abstract | "Drastically reducing gas leakage across gas infrastructure is a global challenge that must be addressed to achieve the Global Methane Pledge and Net Zero targets by 2030 and 2050, respectively. This project aims to use the latest digital technology and data to provide a more accurate picture of gas network leakage, enabling more efficient operational and investment decisions to reduce leakage, improve network safety, and reduce customer bills. All UK GDNs are currently required to use the SLM for emissions reporting, but this only provides a static, theoretical value of total gas leakage, and cannot identify actual leak locations or volumes.The DPLA is an innovative approach to measuring and utilising gas leakage data. In the Discovery phase, a range of technologies for methane detection was assessed. Satellite technology, which was expected to be a scalable, cost-effective solution, was found to be unsuitable, so the analysis refocused on drone/ aircraft/ vehicle-based monitoring methods. It was determined that a mix of technologies are needed to provide a whole system view, including handheld and drone mounted sensors for above ground installations (AGIs), vehicle and drone mounted sensors for urban pipelines, and vehicle, drone and aircraft mounted sensors for rural pipelines.By overlaying data collected by these technologies with a hydraulic model, the DPLA could allow gas networks to locate and target highly emitting assets for maintenance and repair. It was found that super-emitters (high-rate leaks) represent 2-5% of all network leaks while accounting for 20-50% of total emissions. Prioritising these leaks will allow the networks to reduce emissions faster and more cost effectively.The project meets the aims of the Data and Digitalisation SIF Challenge through the following:It aims to deliver a novel digital platform, developed by the UK GDNs and National Transmission System (NTS), the output of which will also benefit Ofgem, gas shippers and others which could obtain relevant data from the platform.It aims to accelerate progress towards a full digital twin of the gas networks (another challenge area arising from the increasing complexity of the energy transition), of which the DPLA could form a building block.It aims to improve data monitoring, availability, quality, interoperability and access by increasing the breadth and depth of leakage data available to GDNs, regulators and shippers, and improve operational efficiency and resilience by reducing gas leakage and cost to consumers, while improving safety.The project partners from the Discovery phase (Cadent, SGN, NGGT and Guidehouse) will be joined by NGN and WWU for the Alpha phase. The participation of all four UK GDNs as well as the NTS operator will enrich the project with a complete beach to meter view of national gas network emissions.As lead partner, Cadent is responsible for the successful delivery of the project and brings a proven track record of delivering innovation projects and managing fugitive emissions. SGN, NGN and WWU will complement this, and ensure that the platform addresses the needs of all GDNs. Their involvement will also allow for alignment on potential regulatory proposals and build a strong case for change to present to Ofgem. NGGT brings the transmission perspective as a potential future user of the platform, and a decade of knowledge from their fugitive emissions programme. As key delivery partner, Guidehouse will bring its knowledge and expertise of regulated utilities, global gas networks and other sectors, which will be vital to determining optimal solutions for the UK. Managing gas network leakage is a key challenge in achieving net zero which extends beyond the UK, hence the learnings will also be valuable to international utilities operating gas infrastructure." | |
| Publications | (none) |
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| Final Report | (none) |
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| Added to Database | 01/11/23 | |
