Gas network company investment is set to lead to a substantial reduction in emissions over the next 12 years, the Energy Networks Association (ENA) has said.
On 4 August, the ENA published figures as part of its Gas Goes Green programme, which is aiming to deliver the world’s first zero carbon gas grid. It found that since 2014, its Iron Mains Risk Replacement Programme – which replaces old iron gas pipelines in Britain’s low-pressure gas networks with hydrogen and biomethane-ready piping – has cut emissions by over a fifth (22.4%) and by 2032, this emissions could further drop by over half (55.6%), should Ofgem approve investment plans.
It further set out how between 2014 and 2032, the programme will have invested £28bn in creating a hydrogen-ready gas grid in towns, villages and communities across the country, while citing Ofgem figures – covering 2013-21 – which show that gas network companies are forecast to bring in the costs of replacing iron mains by 11.4% lower than those agreed – saving consumers £1.3bn. It was also stated that by 2032, the programme will have achieved a 66% reduction in CO2 equivalent emission from the gas grid.
David Smith, ENA Chief Executive, said: “The figures we’re publishing today come with one caveat. The emissions reductions we can deliver going forward are dependent on the decisions due to be made by Ofgem, and it’s important that the regulator recognises the wider impact of its decisions in this area. If it fails to back that investment, then not only do we risk missing out on those reductions; we risk missing out in having the infrastructure we need to put Britain at the front of the pack of the international race for hydrogen.”
