Adaptation of networks through the energy transformation David Salisbury, President of GERG

1. Adaptation of networks through the energy transformationDavid Salisbury, President of GERG

2. Current Situation • Mature natural gas grids carry much more energy than electricity grids, and extra capacity is already available. • In the UK the gas network carries three times as much energy as the electricity grid, comparable with energy consumed by road transport • End use of gas can be over 90% efficient with low transmission losses Electricity can be a relatively small part of the energy system. Heat and transport provide the bulk of final energy use

3. Challenge maximum power gridcapacity maximum power grid capacity Wind Power production CAES: Compressed Air Energy Storage PHS: Pumped Hydro Storage H2, SNG: Hydrogen, Synthetic Natural Gas)

4. What is needed • Recognition of the central role the existing gas network plays and will continue to play in Europe’s energy system • Adaptation of the existing gas networks through the energy transformation, in partnership with renewable energy developments • The gas network can be the major energy carrier in the low-carbon future without new major infrastructure costs