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Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number	NIA_NGGT0184
Title	Gas and ET infrastructure outlook
Status	Completed
Energy Categories	Other Cross-Cutting Technologies or Research(Energy system analysis) 100%;
Research Types	Applied Research and Development 100%
Science and Technology Fields	ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) 50%; ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering) 50%;
UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation	Systems Analysis related to energy R&D (Other Systems Analysis) 100%
Principal Investigator	Project Contact No email address given National Grid Gas Transmission
Award Type	Network Innovation Allowance
Funding Source	Ofgem
Start Date	01 February 2022
End Date	31 January 2023
Duration	ENA months
Total Grant Value	£353,333
Industrial Sectors	Energy
Region	London
Programme	Network Innovation Allowance
Investigators	Principal Investigator	Project Contact , National Grid Gas Transmission (99.998%)
	Other Investigator	Project Contact , National Grid Electricity Transmission (0.001%) Project Contact , National Grid ESO (0.001%)
	Industrial Collaborator	Project Contact , National Grid plc (0.000%) Project Contact , National Grid Electricity Transmission (0.000%)
Web Site	https://smarter.energynetworks.org/projects/NIA_NGGT0184
Objectives	The energy system of the future will need to be more integrated to deliver a reliable, flexible, affordable and sustainable energy. The future gas system is likely to interact with other energy systems much more closely up to and beyond 2050. How these systems will interact and what changes are needed to facilitate these requires further consideration. This desktop study reviews data from several sources from both the UK and Global activities to determine the optimum method for interaction. The project will deliver:1. A determination of key data sets and their quality including modelling, scenarios, assumptions and sensitivities so expectations are clearly established2. An independent vision of what a net zero energy transmission network could look like - validated by Imperial College - including integration of Electricity and Gas strategies providing a robust view of opportunities. To include an overview of the future interaction requirements between gas and ET networks.3. Stakeholder alignment on what is needed to develop a net zero energy transmission network and their key requirements.4. An outline of the key knowledge gaps that we need to answer, to deliver the future energy system network and an outline of further work on key areas that need to be considered and their impact on future policy.5. Rich, impactful final report narrative that summarises and definitively concludes the fundamental discussion of the nature of the future NetZero energy system. Measurement Quality StatementThe measurement approach used to meet Data Quality objectives will be through the identification of high calibre project partners whom are experts in their given field and the use of real data from National Grid sites and strategies. In this instance, the project will be limited to a desktop study to develop the concept from TRL2 to TRL3 and therefore will combine knowledge from other industries and strategic scenarios in the UK. Data Quality StatementThe project will ensure that data used is of sufficient quality to deliver project objectives through phase 1 where the project team will review and determine the possible data sources and those that hold the most integrity. Several scenarios will be developed as it is unclear at this time of which is most likely to provide the optimum solution for the transmission system in the UK. The relevant data and background information will be stored for future access within the National Grid Innovation Sharepoint site and shared via the ENA portal.  The project will be split into 5 Phases1) Phase 1: Kick-off and align on assumptions, data sources and requirements (Duration – 1 month) Create an efficient launch of project: Agree on project scope, data, modelling approach Determine key data sets and their quality Determine the activities and methods by which to achieve the outcomes of the future project phases Tasks 1.1. Agree on functional requirementsPrepare, conduct a project kick-off with Guidehouse and the NG parties. Formalise project set up: Project scope, planning & schedule.✓ Agree table of contents and storyline for the purpose of Ph.5✓ Agree scenarios, sensitivities and modelling approach. All stakeholders agreeto freeze the scenarios to ensure alignment on next steps.✓ Envisaged stakeholder selection for the purpose of Ph.4✓ Timing and organisation of progress meetings✓ Schedule key meetings with project team (no surprises, and clarity on delivery) Task 1.2. Review and engage with other relevant workTo ensure relevance of our work and to maximize the project value we review and benchmark past and ongoing work done on the whole system approach and integrated modelling of electricity and gas infrastructure. For relevant ongoing work we assess if collaboration is possible to create synergies. Task 1.3. Identify and collect relevant dataHold data gathering exercises with key ET, GT, ESO and GSO teams to acquire and agree upon the most relevant data sets. Define and gather relevant input data: investment costs, fuel price projections, emission factors, national H2 plans and climate targets Task 1.4. Log and agree on assumptions and setup data management2) Phase 2: Develop insights into future integrated energy network (Duration – 4 months) Provide an evidence-based vision on how a pathway towards a “Net Zero Energy Transmission Network” could look like Develop insights into the future interaction between gas and ET, storage and conversion infrastructure to meet future demand in the various sectors Highlight the benefits of the whole system approach to maximize consumer benefits, i.e. of an integrated planning and operation of gas and electricity infrastructure Task 2.1. Develop NUTS1 datasets for selected scenarios and setup LCP model: Review the datasets acquired in Ph.1 and develop NUTS1 dataset for each selected scenario. Setup the LCP model. Enhance and build upon the existing NG data, from Guidehouse and external sources. Task 2.2. Review developed datasets and LCP model setup with NG teams: Engage with GSO/ESO, GT/ET future and regulation teams to get feedback on the developed datasets and proposed LCP model configuration. Update datasets and LCP model configuration based on feedback. Hold initial stakeholder engagement activity to align on models assumptions/inputs Task 2.3. Modelling pathways towards a “Net Zero Energy Network”: Apply the LCP model for integrated capacity expansion and dispatch optimisation for gas and ET, storage and conversion infrastructure to match future energy supply and demand for each considered scenario. Major model outputs: installed transmission capacity btw. model regions regions, installed storage and conversion capacity in each model region; insights into operation of the future integrated energy network. Task 2.4 Perform sensitivity analyses: Vary costs of infrastructure types and assess the option of offshore P2G to gain further insights into the configuration of the future integrated energy network. Task 2.5. Analyse results and develop vision for the “Net Zero Energy Network”, phase 2 report: Formulate an evidence-based vision on how an integrated UK energy network could develop until 2050 based on the quantitative outcomes of the previous tasks. The delivered Ph. 2 report specifies the major characteristics of the future integrated energy network, highlights the interaction between infrastructure and the resulting benefits but also clearly detail any limitations of the study and propose areas for further work. Validation of model and results by Imperial College.3) Phase 3: External Engagement (Duration – 2 months) Conduct bilateral meetings: across phase 2 - to avoid any surprises during the stakeholder engagement event - Guidehouse to conduct bilateral meetings with key stakeholders to align and achieve buy-in through the following process:1. Prioritise National Grids 84 stakeholders from Project Union ahead of workshop(s)2. Together with National Grid characterize into allies, enemies and swing voters who have a whole system mindset3. Identify critical stakeholders, evaluate their value drivers and pain points and identify strategies to swing them towards an overarching consensus Facilitate stakeholder engagement event1. Present findings from Phase 22. Facilitate workshop with key stakeholders and incorporate their feedback into the final report3. Leverage appropriate tools and techniques to ensure stakeholder alignment during Phase 3 such as carousel and way forward Collate stakeholder insights and determine action plan following completion of workshop(s) including any gaps in stakeholder engagement to inform future work Product Phase 3 report: Inclusive of stakeholder insights, gaps in feedback, and key areas to consider development of the future state network base on stakeholder input.4) Phase 4: Data and Engagement Insight Review and Gap Analysis (Duration – 2 months) Review stakeholder insights and feedback and understand impact on proposed network structure Update proposed transmission network and model (if needed) following review of stakeholder feedback. Undertake gap analysis to identify knowledge gaps that would still need to be addressed Product report having consolidated findings, clearly providing recommendations for further analysis from 1) future policy shaping angle and 2) innovation project pipeline for use cases across the following sectors:• Power• Heat• Transport• Industry5) Phase 5: Standards & Reporting (Duration – 1 month) Complete final technical report write-up Provide a final summary report Populate an ENA closure report document (if required)Help National Grid identify if any standards need to be updated based on results presented in the report. The key objectives for this activity are as follows:- To provide an internal and external vision of the future net zero energy transmission system that will deliver net zero energy to industry, transport, heat and power- To consider the main interactions between the future decarbonised electricity and GT systems- To determine what are the main areas of system interaction that need further consideration and potential policy and market / regulatory framework developmentTo better inform gas and electricity modelling for future scenarios, providing information such as likely production locations and end users, including an understanding of the balancing requirement and how this could best be managed with separately regulated businesses to enable and ensure the UK energy systems reliability and robustness
Abstract	The interaction between gas and electricity energy systems is likely to increase as we progress towards Net Zero. Transportation systems in the UK and surrounding countries, across transmission and distribution will need to interact in order to balance energy production and use. The potential solutions for the decarbonisation of transport, heat, industry and power also interact and compete with several that have the opportunity to overlap. This project is a first step in understanding these interactions for the UK transmission networks. Thinking on whole energy has increasing relevance for operation and development of the gas and ET systems as we progress towards net zero and is a vital activity at this stage of our transition.
Publications	(none)
Final Report	(none)
Added to Database	14/10/22