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IGEM’S RESPONSE

FOLLOWING THE RELEASE of the
Pathways report, IGEM CEO Neil
Atkinson said: “The institution
commends this comprehensive
report as it is the first articulation of
viable pathways to a decarbonised
gas network.
“It recognises a number of key
requirements in preparing for the
transition and outlines the low-
regret actions for policy makers and
stakeholders to support now.
“In particular, IGEM has welcomed
the integrated view of the Balanced
Scenario, which demonstrates how
low carbon and renewable gases
can be used as part of a balanced
energy system alongside low carbon
electricity and smart technologies.
“Additionally, the attention drawn
and 2050, is summarised here. The production and industrial processes. to the skills and labour challenges
pathway is not a forecast, but it is It will also provide ‘negative emissions’ associated with the transition to
relevant even if the GB energy system when combined with certain bioenergy a decarbonised energy system is
in 2050 looks slightly different than technologies. crucial. We will need to attract
the Balanced Scenario. new labour to the sector; existing
Energy efficiency will need to engineers will need re-skilling on low
The pathway is built around four core 4 improve across GB, particularly in carbon technologies and appliances,
elements, which work together to the buildings sector as a complement with an emphasis on working
reduce the overall cost and disruption to electrification. Renovation measures across disciplines. High quality
of decarbonising the energy system: such as loft insulation and high standards and training will need to
Low carbon and renewable gases performance glazing will be deployed be developed to ensure a competent
1 will be fully integrated into the GB to bring the majority of buildings up to workforce and to maintain public
energy system. By 2050, all gas end- a moderate level of energy efficiency. safety. IGEM recognises that a
users will be supplied with hydrogen Each of these elements comes with competent, skilled workforce is an
and/or biomethane. Hydrogen will be challenges and uncertainties which essential enabler. That is why we
produced by natural gas reforming, may affect the delivery of the pathway. are already delivering hydrogen
creating the basis for hydrogen The transition of the whole GB awareness training and will continue
clusters, and by electrolysis using energy system to net zero must be to work with our partners to offer the
renewable power (both dedicated and underpinned by coordinated policy and industry more in this space.
curtailed generation). Biomethane will regulatory support. “We will need a coordinated
be produced by anaerobic digestion A critical factor for a successful awareness-raising and
and thermal gasification. transition as described in the communications campaign targeting
pathway is the initial strategic, energy end-users to highlight
Electrification will occur across technical and policy planning to the need for low carbon heat,
2 the demand sectors. Most road enable low carbon and renewable demonstrate how it will be achieved
transport will be electrified, as well gases to play a significant role. Policy and explain the mechanisms by
as short distance shipping. There will support must also link up with which consumers can access low
be electrification of low temperature regulatory expectations to enable carbon heat.
industrial processes. According to the appropriate incentives for effective “IGEM recognises the
analysis, hybrid heat systems – an business planning and investment fundamental contribution of low
electric heat pump paired with a low decisions under RIIO-2. These carbon and renewable gases to the
carbon or renewable gas boiler – will be foundational steps, along with other decarbonisation pathway and will
a key technology for decarbonising the recommendations for near-term, low- continue to work closely with our
buildings sector in a cost-optimal way. regret actions, are presented in the full gas industry stakeholders to develop
pathways report. hydrogen standards and support
Carbon capture, utilisation and innovative projects trialling the use
3 storage (CCUS) will be needed Read the full report via our new online of hydrogen in the gas grid.”
to reduce emissions from hydrogen research library at www.igem.org.uk

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