Gas and electricity supply implications of decarbonising heat sector in GB. (15th February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Qadrdan, Meysam; Fazeli, Reza; Jenkins, Nick; Strbac, Goran; Sansom, Robert
• Is Part Of: Energy. Volume 169(2019)
• Page Start: 50
• Page End: 60
• Publication Date: 2019-02-15
• Subjects: Decarbonisation of heat supply -- Integrated energy system -- Renewable energy; Power resources -- Periodicals; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2018.11.066
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-5442

Abstract

Abstract: The increasing decarbonisation of the power and heat sectors in Great Britain poses numerous uncertainties about the future of the gas network. An optimisation model was developed for investigating the operation of future low carbon electricity, gas and heat supply systems. The model was employed to quantify the impacts on the operation of the gas network in Great Britain of transitioning to low carbon power and heat. The modelling results show that the decarbonisation of the power and heat sectors affects the operation of the high and low pressure gas networks differently. A highly electrified heat sector, only slightly changes the gas load duration curve for the high pressure gas transmission network, but significantly affects the load duration curve for low pressure gas distribution networks. In addition, in a future energy system with a large capacity of variable wind and solar generation, and highly electrified heat supply, although the annual volume of gas supply decreases, the peak gas supply during low wind and cold spells remains the same or even exceeds the current figure. This is mainly due to gas-fired power plants operating to their maximum capacity to complement the wind resource and also supply electricity for heat pumps. Highlights: The decarbonisation of heat in GB affect the future role of the gas network. The operation of an integrated electricity, gas and heat system was investigated. Electrification of heat in GB reduces the annual gas demand but increases its peak.