Europe continues to be directed towards the objective of “zero net emissions” in 2050, a challenge that demands a great transformation in energy production and consumption. These is the first conclusions of the report «A net-zero gas system. A key piece in a decarbonized energy model at 2050 », prepared by Deloitte and published by the Naturgy Foundation, which also emphasizes the fundamental role, in the so -called green transition, of a decarbonized gas system.
The report emphasizes that “zero net emissions” sources present different characteristics in terms of cost, social acceptance and social acceptance. Among them, the solar, wind, hydraulic, nuclear, biomass, waste and hydrocarbons with a carbon capture and storage system.
Likewise, according to the aforementioned study, renewable gases are an essential piece to achieve an energy system of net emissions that cover, efficiently, the needs of consumers maintaining supply security.
As a consequence, the gasist system is presented as a necessary piece for the fulfillment of the objective of achieving a neutral emission system by the year 2050 technically viable, resilient and efficient.
The biomethane, an effective alternative
In this multiscenary, the biomethane, also known as renewable gas, is presented as an efficient way to decarbonize part of current gas consumption. Its use allows you to maintain the existing infrastructure and minimize costs for the consumer, which makes it an easy implementation solution
This is so for several reasons. On the one hand, the existence of a established and interconnected methane infrastructure that allows the efficient movement of biomethane and synthetic methane in Europe and Spain.
On the other hand, the potential of the European Union to cover approximately 60% of the current consumption of natural gas with the production of methane of net zero emissions in biomethane format and synthetic methane produced with carbon dioxide captured in biomethane plants.
The report indicates that, in the case of Spain, this potential of methane of zero net emissions could cover 85-90% of the entire demand for current gas.
In addition, the document, published by the Naturgy Foundation, highlights that methane storage capacity is essential to meet the seasonality of energy demand and provide resilience to the system in Europe and Spain, providing flexibility.
In fact, the storage infrastructure allows to cushion the variations in the supply and demand of gas by storing methane during periods of surplus and then release it in moments of shortage. The renewable gas is, at present, the only vector of zero net emissions offered by this degree of storage for the coverage of the variable energy needs characteristic of thermal uses.
Finally, biomethane production contributes to the circular economy, generates quality employment and is key to avoid rural depopulation. Biogas and biomethane plants are distributed throughout the territory since they use and manage organic waste generated with high capillarity, promoting the economic development of the entire geography and, especially, of rural areas.
Diversity of uses and needs
The report also evaluates the energy needs of the different sectors and exposes the options available to meet the demand. The key is to apply the complementarity of technological solutions to guarantee a flexible, safe and competitive system.
According to the study, this complementarity is due to the fact that each activity sector makes a very different use of energy to meet its diverse needs.
In the residential field, energy consumption focuses on maintaining good air conditioning. In the industrial and services sector, the uses are more heterogeneous. At European level, there are also significant differences between countries: in the case of Spain, its most tempered climate reduces thermal needs limiting energy consumption.
In short, the time and seasonal variability in demand becomes a key factor in the design of the energy system. And the conclusion seems clear, to achieve efficiency and stability, it is essential to have a mix of energy sources that allow the supply to the demand in a flexible way.
The best solutions for consumers
The report analyzes the impact of biomethane in different sectors
In the residential sector, Biomethane condensation boiler is the most economical solution provided there are no cooling needs. InOtherwise, combining condensation boiler and heat pump is economically competitive.
In the services sector. In small offices and shops with low energy consumption, condensation boiler is a viable option. For high consumption properties, heat pump is an efficient alternative.
In the industrial sector. The biomethane stands out as a solution with less cost and easy implementation, being a competitive option against electricity in certain scenarios
In the transport sector, The best alternative is the combination of electricity, biolíchids, methane of zero net emissions and renewable hydrogen, to achieve a decarbonized sector in 2050.