This book investigates the role of gas networks in future low-carbon energy systems, and discusses various decarbonisation pathways, providing insights for gas network operators, developers, and policy makers. As more countries around the world move towards low-carbon energy systems and increase their exploitation of renewable energy sources, the use of natural gas and the associated infrastructure is expected to undergo a substantial transformation. As such there is a great uncertainty regarding the future role of gas networks and how they will be operated in coming years.

The topics addressed include:

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  Fundamentals of gas network operation

  
  


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  The impact of variable renewable electricity generation on the operation and expansion of gas networks

  
  


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  The impact of decarbonising heat supplies on gas networks

  
  


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  Opportunities and challenges of utilising gas networks to transport alternative low-carbon gases such as bio-methane and hydrogen