Policy goals for sustainable energy can be achieved at significantly lower cost through integrating innovative gas solutions into the long-term energy mix.  Customers will also benefit from more choice and improved affordability, reliability and comfort.

Policymakers often assume that gas technologies are quite mature and not improving, and jump to the conclusion that gas supplies must move to renewable natural gas or hydrogen to make any sizable dent in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

A new study by Enovation, however, finds that commercially available and emerging technologies can achieve medium term GHG reduction goals through increasing energy efficiency by 40% to 75% for residential and commercial customers.

Among the available technologies with the highest GHG reduction, Enovation found that CHP (Combined Heat and Power) combined with internet-enabled thermostats and building envelope could produce GHG reductions surpassing 60%.

Technologies further on the horizon are solid oxide fuel cells and gas absorption heat pumps.  These cogeneration and space heating solutions could reduce GHGs 50% to 75% compared to status quo equipment.

In terms of the overall market, Enovation expects global gas demand between now and 2040 to grow the most in industrial applications, followed by power generation and use in buildings. Enovation expects gas to surpass coal in global power generation capacity over the next two decades, with renewable capacity growing strongly as well.

If you wish to discuss the study or see detailed results, please contact Enovation Partners director and co-founder Bill Kemp.

World Gas Conference presentation by Bill Kemp