Adaptation of networks through the energy transformation

David Salisbury, President of GERG

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Current Situation

Mature natural gas grids carry much more energy than electricity grids, and extra capacity is already available.

In the UK the gas network carries three times as much energy as the electricity grid, comparable with energy consumed by road transport

End use of gas can be over 90% efficient with low transmission losses

Electricity can be a relatively small part of the energy system.

Heat and transport provide the bulk of final energy use

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Challenge

CAES: Compressed Air Energy Storage PHS: Pumped Hydro Storage H2, SNG: Hydrogen, Synthetic Natural Gas)

maximum power grid capacitymaximum power grid capacity

Wind Power production

What is needed

• Recognition of the central role the existing gas network plays and will continue to play in Europe’s energy system

• Adaptation of the existing gas networks through the energy transformation, in partnership with renewable energy developments

The gas network can be the major energy carrier in the low-carbon future without new major infrastructure costs