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