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Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number	NIA_SGN0144
Title	Assessing the Gas Network Decarbonisation Pathway
Status	Completed
Energy Categories	Other Cross-Cutting Technologies or Research(Energy system analysis) 50%; Fossil Fuels: Oil Gas and Coal(Oil and Gas, Other oil and gas) 50%;
Research Types	Applied Research and Development 100%
Science and Technology Fields	ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering) 100%
UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation	Systems Analysis related to energy R&D (Other Systems Analysis) 100%
Principal Investigator	Project Contact No email address given SGN
Award Type	Network Innovation Allowance
Funding Source	Ofgem
Start Date	01 February 2019
End Date	01 January 2020
Duration	ENA months
Total Grant Value	£519,877
Industrial Sectors	Energy
Region	South East
Programme	Network Innovation Allowance
Investigators	Principal Investigator	Project Contact , SGN (99.996%)
	Other Investigator	Project Contact , Wales and West Utilities (0.001%) Project Contact , National Grid Gas Transmission (0.001%) Project Contact , Northern Gas Networks (0.001%) Project Contact , Cadent Gas (0.001%) Project Contact , SGN (99.996%)
	Industrial Collaborator	Project Contact , SGN (0.000%)
Web Site	https://smarter.energynetworks.org/projects/NIA_SGN0144
Objectives	The project will: Evaluate the decarbonisation pathway set out by the gas networks, including the level of decarbonized gas delivered, system cost and price control implications, security of supply/system resilience, safety & risk management, economic benefits and emissions savings potential at different stages (including against carbon budgets). Identify and map the changes required and identify key technical, regulatory and policy barriers. Explore, develop and propose strategic investment mechanisms and models that maximize carbon reductions and minimize cost and disruption to consumers and government. Analyse the deliverability of the pathway and its constituent steps, including through Real Options analysis and in comparison, to alternative approaches to decarbonisation. Conduct a significant stakeholder engagement exercise with policymakers, the energy value chain and consumer groups. Set out conclusions in an accessible report which can be provided to the full spectrum of stakeholders, including customers, policymakers as well as network licensees, through a concise dissemination of the learning from the project. This project will build on existing knowledge of decarbonised gas generation, transportation to set out and appraise the pathway for gas network decarbonisation and build knowledge and understanding in the following areas: Network investment to support the development of a more flexible, decentralised and decarbonized network. Implications for changes to gas quality regulations (building on the Opening up the Gas Markets project) and safety management. Mapping options for consumers, including domestic appliances, gas in transport and industrial & commercial users, and considering fuel poverty implications. Setting out the system developments required, including: billing implications for future networks (building on the Future Billing Methodology and Real Time Networks projects); smarter network management; supporting Whole System outcomes (e.g. flexible generation); control systems for decentralised low carbon gas. Developing hydrogen networks through increased blending and ultimately repurposed sections of the existing network, with reference to existing projects such as H21, Hydeploy, H100 and others. Identifying dependencies beyond the remit of network operators, such as policy options for biomethane, bio-SNG and hydrogen blending; development of CCUS (building on existing knowledge of biomethane markets, BioSNG, Hydeploy, Acorn St Fergus and other projects). It will build on existing gas network innovation projects and avoid duplication by referencing work such as the rollout vision for H21. It will consider the potential impacts of macro-level changes to the policy and economic context for decarbonisation. The objectives are: Support the development of policy and regulatory change around decarbonisation of gas networks. Develop a shared view of the pathways and decision points for changes to the networks, and their operation, to support decarbonised gas among the GB gas network licensees. Ensure that innovation and other activity to support decarbonisation is coordinated, and that real options analysis is independently evaluated for policy and decision makers. Ensure that policymakers and energy industry stakeholders are engaged in the process to develop pathways and options for decarbonising gas, complementing existing and planned activity. Ultimately, to support the decarbonisation of energy networks and the customers they serve.
Abstract	There are major challenges across our energy system to deliver the UKs carbon budgets and 2050 decarbonisation targets, particularly around heat and industrial decarbonisation. These challenges were set out in the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) 2018 Progress Report to Parliament, and will require coordinated action to find affordable, deliverable solutions. BEIS and CCC have suggested that major strategic decisions on heat policy will need to be taken by government in the mid-2020s, and that evidence should be built now to support policymakers in this process.This project will evaluate the decarbonisation pathway set out by the gas networks, including the level of decarbonized gas delivered, system cost and price control implications, security of supply/system resilience, safety & risk management, economic benefits and emissions savings potential at different stages (including against carbon budgets). It will build on existing knowledge of decarbonised gas generation, transportation to set out and appraise the pathway for gas network decarbonisation and build knowledge and understanding in the following areas
Publications	(none)
Final Report	(none)
Added to Database	15/12/22