Wales has an extensive and complex gas grid that supplies millions of homes and businesses with heat and power. As the country looks to meet its climate change goals, can this gas grid be repurposed to distribute green gases like biomethane, hydrogen, and synthetic fuels?
The Vital Role of the Gas Grid in Wales
The gas grid in Wales is a hidden but essential piece of infrastructure. It:
- Supplies heat to millions of homes, schools, hospitals, and workplaces
- Stores and transports massive amounts of energy
- Responds flexibly to fluctuations in energy demand
- Connects Wales to gas supplies from Norway, Qatar, the US and the rest of Europe
However, Wales is dependent on imported natural gas, with prices subject to global market volatility. There is also an urgent need to decarbonize to address climate change.
The Potential for Green Gases in Wales
The solution lies in transitioning the gas grid from fossil fuels to green renewable gases:
- Biomethane – Produced from animal, food and crop waste, chemically identical to natural gas
- Hydrogen – The smallest molecule, can be produced from renewable electricity and blended into the gas grid at up to 20%
- Synthetic fuels (e-NG) – Produced from hydrogen and captured CO2, also chemically identical to natural gas
These green gases could be produced within Wales or imported via the existing gas infrastructure. Gas-powered electricity generation, such as at Pembroke Power Station, could also transition to green gases.
The Benefits of a Decentralized Green Gas Approach
Rather than a massive expansion of the electricity grid and pylons, a decentralized approach using the gas grid has several advantages:
- Generating power and heat at the point of use with fuel cells and engines
- Complementing local renewable generation with green gas for a resilient supply
- Reducing exposure to global commodity markets with locally-produced green gases
- Supporting local ownership, jobs and wealth creation
The gas grid does not reach all areas, especially rural regions. However, these could be served by local microgrids and local green gas production, replicating the “town gas” model of the past.
An Ambitious but Realistic Scenario for 2035
A pragmatic goal for Wales’ gas grid in 2035 could be:
- 35% biomethane
- 35% synthetic e-NG
- 20% hydrogen
- 10% natural gas
This would represent an ambitious 90% reduction in gas grid emissions – a major contribution from Wales to global climate efforts. Some reliance on natural gas may still be required for flexible power generation.
Conclusion
Repurposing the gas grid to carry green gases is a lower cost, less disruptive pathway to decarbonization than a massive expansion of the electricity grid. It makes use of Wales’ existing gas infrastructure and supports local energy production and ownership.
With a resilient, decentralized green gas grid, Wales could develop a smart 21st century energy system that cuts emissions while boosting jobs and the economy. This offers a model for other regions to follow in the transition to a cleaner energy future.
