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CHOOSING THE

RIGHT PATH

IGEM has welcomed a new report from the Energy Networks
Association (ENA), which looks at the steps the country needs
to take to decarbonise the gas network and achieve net zero
carbon emissions. Here, we take a look at the key findings

atural gas plays a central role decarbonise the GB energy system and
in the UK energy system today, reach net zero emissions by 2050. It
but it is also a significant delivers two scenarios to assess the
source of greenhouse gas (GHG) cost-optimal way to decarbonise the
N emissions. 2050 GB energy system:
In 2008, the UK committed to reduce A Balanced Scenario in which low
GHG emissions by at least 80 per cent carbon and renewable gases are used
by 2050, compared to 1990 levels. In in a balanced combination with low
June 2019, a more ambitious target was carbon electricity.
adopted into law and the UK became An Electrified Scenario in which low
the first major economy to commit to carbon and renewable gas use is out of power generation capacity and
net zero emissions by 2050. limited to cases where no reasonable grid reinforcement. In particular, the
In this context, the Energy Networks alternative energy source exists, such Electrified Scenario 2050 electricity
Association (ENA) commissioned as in certain industrial processes and system peak is almost double that of the
Navigant to explore the role the gas transport modes and for dispatchable Balanced Scenario.
sector can play in the decarbonisation power generation in a net zero system. Gas networks already have the
of the Great Britain (GB) energy system. Some GHG emissions will occur, capacity to manage seasonal energy
The resulting report, Pathways to Net but they can be offset by ‘negative demand and three times the current
Zero: Decarbonising the Gas Networks emissions’ derived from biomethane electricity peak demand, contributing to
in Great Britain, demonstrates that or biomass use in combination with system resilience and energy security.
low carbon and renewable gases can carbon capture and storage. To reach a balanced, net zero energy
make a fundamental contribution to the While both scenarios achieve net system in GB, the way we produce,
decarbonisation pathway between now zero emissions, the Balanced Scenario supply and consume energy will need
and 2050. does so at lower cost. In both scenarios, to change, according to the report.
The report concludes that a balanced the 2050 gas system peak is anticipated A pathway for the transition,
combination of low carbon gases to be lower than today’s. By contrast, focusing on how the gas sector can
and electricity is the optimal way to both scenarios require a major build- contribute step-by-step between now

CHALLENGE MITIGATION

Net zero emissions cannot be achieved if the Establish a stable regulatory framework and support mechanisms
commercial viability of CCUS is delayed as soon as possible to enable commercial CCUS deployment

First hydrogen projects are difficult to develop Support industry adoption of hydrogen through financial
without industrial baseload demand incentives and research and development to enable process
conversion and to reduce hydrogen production costs
Renovation of the building stock may be constrained Establish policies to boost deployment capacity. Net zero can
by supply chain, skills and labour capacity still be reached if a lower proportion of buildings is renovated by
2050, but overall system costs will be higher

End-users may not fully embrace high efficiency Develop incentives and funding mechanisms to encourage
heating systems and insulation in buildings uptake. Net zero can still be reached if most buildings retain
standalone gas boilers, but overall system cost will be higher

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