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igem news

INDUSTRY CONSULTATION

ON GAS QUALITY government. Through their individual

expertise and wider stakeholder
networks, the working group has
carried out an extensive testing,
evidence gathering, analysis and
engagement exercise over a three-
year period, to establish the feasibility
and safety implications of changes to
Schedule 3 of the GS(M)R.
A significant milestone has now
been reached, with the unanimous
agreement of the working group on
new gas quality parameters and to
issue the new gas quality standard for
wider industry peer review.
The proposed changes include:
Widening the Wobbe index range
by decreasing the lower limit to
≥46.5MJ/m³ and increasing the upper
limit to ≤52.85MJ/m³
Increase the Wobbe index upper
limit of emergency specification gas
from 52.85MJ/m³ to 53.25MJ/m³
Extending the current GS(M)R
class exemptions for oxygen in
biomethane to a general 1mol%
oxygen limit at network pressures
≤38barg.
Simplifying the GS(M)R
interchangeability diagram to a
A proposed new IGEM gas quality standard is a key step Wobbe index range of 46.5MJ/m³ to
on the pathway to net zero emissions 52.85MJ/m³ and a maximum relative
density of 0.700. Also, the removal
IGEM’S GAS QUALITY WORKING carbon gases in the gas grid. Some are of the equivalent composition,
Group will soon be seeking industry already injecting low carbon gases into incomplete combustion, lift index
comment on the standard IGEM/GL/10 the existing network alongside natural and sooting index limits.
Gas quality specification for conveyance gas. However, in order to scale up the Incorporating the above changes
of Group H gases of the second gas use of these gases and maximise their and moving GS(M)R Schedule 3 into
family. full potential, the specification of gas a new IGEM gas quality standard,
The UK benefits from a long- that can be added to the network must creating an effective framework for
established gas network with a proven be changed. These legal parameters future changes.
history of delivering natural gas safely, currently sit within Schedule 3 of the This proposal is the first in a series
affordably and reliably to millions of Gas Safety (Management) Regulations of essential steps towards achieving a
customers each year. However, if we (GS(M)R). decarbonised gas system and securing
are to meet the target of net zero gas The IGEM Gas Safety Working Group current and future UK gas supplies, by:
emissions by 2050, then it is essential was set up at the request of the HSE, Reducing gas processing emissions
that we decarbonise the gas system. BEIS and Ofgem in 2016 with the Allowing more biomethane and other
The Committee on Climate Change has aim of developing a new gas quality biogases into the network
also recognised that gas will remain standard to replace Schedule 3 of the Enabling a quality standard that
an important part of the energy mix GS(M)R. Any such standard would allows hydrogen to be blended in
moving forward. be designed to ensure that the gas the near future without additional
Decarbonisation of the gas grid is networks continue to deliver gas to legislation.
achievable through the injection of customers safely and efficiently, whilst
biogases in place of natural gas, or supporting the move towards deep Industry consultation and feedback
through the injection of hydrogen, decarbonisation of the gas system. on the proposed changes will soon
either to replace or blend with natural The working group comprises of be formally launched and the full
gas. In response to the emissions experts on gas quality with broad consultation documents and instructions
target, gas network companies have representation across gas network on how to submit your comments will be
established a range of projects across companies, LNG terminals, trade available at www.igem.org.uk/technical-
the UK exploring the use of these low bodies, independent experts, HSE and services/comment-on-draft-standards

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