Transforming Gas Infrastructure for a Renewable and Decarbonised Future
Spains gas distribution network is increasingly recognised as a vital component in the broader strategy towards decarbonisation and renewable energy integration. According to a report by Deloitte commissioned by Naturgy the infrastructure plays a crucial role not only in current energy systems but also in future scenarios aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
With over 96000 kilometres of pipelines and extensive storage capacity the gas network supplies nearly 20 million people across approximately 1800 municipalities. It is the primary heating source in regions with low temperatures where heating needs are significant. The networks ability to supply seasonal demand fluctuations highlights its operational flexibility with peak-to-minimum demand ratios reaching up to 17 times in residential commercial and small business segments.
In industrial sectors gas accounts for about 40 percent of energy consumption supporting energy-intensive industries such as chemicals ceramics metallurgy and pulp and paper. It also serves as a raw material in certain processes emphasising its strategic importance. Meanwhile in electricity generation gas acts as a controllable backup for variable renewable sources like wind and solar maintaining system stability and balancing fluctuations in renewable production.
One of the principal themes of the report is the integration of biogas particularly biometahno from agricultural and livestock waste. The proximity of the gas network to waste generation sites enables direct injection through various modalities including local distribution connections flow pipeline integration with the transmission network and direct access to transmission pipelines. As biometahno is compatible with existing infrastructure it offers a cost-competitive sustainable alternative to fossil fuels for consumers.
However a notable challenge highlighted is the financial responsibility for network connection. Unlike countries such as France and Germany where costs are shared among stakeholders in Spain the expense falls entirely on the biogas producer. This could slow deployment unless regulatory adjustments are implemented to distribute costs more equitably.
Looking ahead the report proposes four strategic priorities maintaining the networks extensive reach to facilitate distributed renewable gas generation ensuring capacity to meet peak demands increasing energy diversification through biometahno and advancing digitalisation with sensors and monitoring systems to optimise flow management and gas quality.
Overall the study underscores that the gas distribution network is a strategic asset in Spains transition to a sustainable energy-secure future. Its core pillars are territorial coverage operational resilience renewable gas integration and digital innovation positioning it as a backbone of the future energy system.