Overview of biomethane markets and regulations ... - Green Gas Grids

The distribution grid is split into twelve Local Distribution Zones and each has a
daily flow weighted average calorific value (FWACV) regime. The aim is to ensure
that every gas consumer receives gas at an equal calorific value subject to a
maximum error of 1 MJ / m³.
In 2010 the gas demand of the UK
increased to 1,093 TWh. Most of the
gas was used for generation of
electricity in combined cycle gas
turbines (34 %) and for domestic
heating (35.7 %).
Figure 14: Natural gas grid and
storage facilities in the UK
(source www.nationalgrid.com)
There is negligible natural gas used
in the UK transportation sector,
where there are less than
250 vehicles on CNG and LNG,
mostly dual fuel trucks. There are
only five CNG filing stations in UK
and it is believed less than five CNG
cars.
The natural gas market is under the
supervision of the Office of the Gas
and Electricity Markets (OFGEM).
OFGEM promotes competitive gas
and electricity markets and is in
charge of regulating the markets to
ensure that there is adequate
investment in the networks. The
authority also aims to contribute
towards curbing climate change and
other work aimed at sustainable
development.
Technical standards for
biomethane and natural gas
The UK grants a non-discriminatory but not priority grid access for biogenic gases.
There are no restrictions regarding the sources of biogenic gases meaning that
biomethane derived from landfill or sewage gas is also allowed to be injected into
the national grid. In the UK the typical gross calorific value is 39.0–39.5 MJ / m³
while the heating value of 100 % biomethane is about 37.7 MJ / m³. Due to the
high heating value requirements, significant amounts of propane or LPG are needed
to adjust the heating value of the injected biomethane.
For historic reasons (related to the fact that UKCS gas has no oxygen) an arbitrary
0.2 % specification for oxygen is in place. Work is underway to change this to 1 %
and it is expected that this will be changed in the second half of 2012 to 1 %.
Support schemes
The UK implemented several measures in order to increase renewables deployment.
Attractive financial incentives are provided for biogas production through the
following schemes:
n Renewable Heat Incentive
n Renewables Obligation
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