Page 22 - Gi flipbook September 2018

Together in electric dreams

behaviour on our network is
something we are monitoring closely.
The intermittent nature of flows at
these sites has an impact on the use
of storage in our network. To
accommodate them, we have had to:
■ Optimise pressure settings in our
network to maximise linepack storage
■ Update arrangements in the
industry rules on flows of gas at
the national transmission system
offtakes (governed by the Offtake
Arrangements Document)
■ Develop new strategy tools in our
control room to make sure we
operate our network in the most
efficient way, taking account of
conditions on the day and the
requirements of these and other sites
To make sure we have a consistent
and robust approach, we insist on
bilateral Network Exit Agreements
between ourselves and all power
station customers, so that we are clear
on expectations. This is particularly
important on difficult days when our
system is nearing peak capacity.
Our long term forecasting predicts
increasing gas generation, as closures
across the coal and nuclear fleet
result in a significant loss of
generation capacity in the UK. Low
carbon and renewable generation
capacity continues to grow, but
nationally significant projects like
Wylfa Newydd in Anglesey, Hinkley
Point C in Somerset and the Swansea SO WHERE DO ELECTRIC increase even further and faster.
Bay Tidal Lagoon are still many years VEHICLES FIT IN? This will result in a continuing
from generating – if they ever do. Gas Look around a city anywhere in the increase in electricity demand, and
is taking the strain. Cleaner than coal, country and the growth of electric while renewable and low carbon
and more reliable than intermittent vehicles is clear. By the end of 2018, it generation will address some of that,
generation, it works in concert with is anticipated there will be almost it will be enabled by and supported by
renewable energy, enabling the 200,000 electric vehicles on the flexible gas-fired generation in the
increase of this type of generation. road, with an increase of 27 per cent same way it is today. This resulting
These qualities are why it will remain in 2017. With the ban on the sale of increase in gas demand driven by
key to maintaining reliable electricity all new petrol and diesel vehicles electric vehicles requires us to look
generation, as well as maximising the from 2040, the growth in the number very carefully at current levels and
use of renewables, for years to come. of electric vehicles is certain to forecasted levels of gas demand, and

FIGURE 2: UK CCGT hourly generation 2011/12 and UK CCGT hourly generation 2017/18

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