Natural gas and forms of low-carbon gases will be key as the UK transitions to a net zero, sustainable energy system of the future. Whether it’s the use of natural gas combined with carbon capture usage and storage (CCUS), low-carbon gases such as blue hydrogen generated through natural gas reformation or renewable gases such as green hydrogen generated via electrolysis; gas will be a key enabler to a net zero transition.
Due to high levels of uncertainty surrounding the future of gas in a net zero energy system and the pace of change required to meet the UK’s ambitious net zero target, means and ways to manage and rise up to this challenge are needed.
In response to this challenge, the Future of Gas programme brings together a broad range of stakeholders through its Steering Group, a group that represents the gas industry value chain as well as UK Government, the gas network’s regulator and energy academics. This places the Future of Gas programme in the unique position of being able to assess net zero developments in a holistic fashion and explore where further work may need to be undertaken, as well as highlight potential gaps in current thinking and provide a platform to discuss and debate a variety of gas energy perspectives.
The Gas Markets Plan (GMaP)
To continue to deliver safe and reliable gas supplies at the best value for consumers as we transition to a net zero energy future, a process is needed to proactively and strategically consider how market frameworks may need to change across all potential energy futures. To achieve this, National Grid Gas, with support from the Future of Gas Steering Group, launched the Gas Market Plan (GMaP).
The GMaP programme undertakes a variety of market-based projects to progress understanding in specific market topics, which have been highlighted through our stakeholder engagements, the changing policy and regulatory landscape as well as the evolving supply and demand for gas. Our GMaP projects look to articulate where, when and what changes may be required to existing gas market arrangements to facilitate the net zero transition.
For an overview of the programme’s activities to date and themes that are to be explored through 2022, please take a look at the Enabling the Gas Market Plan 2020–2022 below.
Enabling the Gas Market Plan 2020-2022