UK electricity network operator National Grid has outlined a number of proposals that it believes would help to facilitate a low-carbon energy market in the region. In particular, the company asserted its belief that security of supply and climate change can be tackled together.
National Grid commented that there are three key areas in which energy markets need to encourage utilities to take action. These areas are helping customers to reduce their energy demand, investing in low-carbon sources of energy, and investing in the infrastructure needed to ensure consumers have access to reliable energy supplies, the company said.
National Grid added that if these objectives were achieved, they would significantly benefit society by supporting consumers’ desire to reduce emissions and energy usage, as well as maintaining economic growth by continuing to provide secure energy supplies.
National Grid outlined a number of its own emission-reducing proposals, including its intention to use excess heat from German utility E.ON’s new 1275MW power station on the Isle of Grain in Kent to warm the liquid natural gas used to supply the national gas system at the company’s LNG import terminal. National Grid said that this would reduce green house gas emissions by up to 350,000 tonnes a year
National Grid also revealed that it has already met the Kyoto Agreement 2012 target of 12.5% emissions reductions for the UK, and 8% reductions for the US, and is on target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its operations and offices across the company by 60% well before 2050.
National Grid said that as part of its ongoing emissions reduction program, the company is replacing gas-fired compressors with electric drives. The company also plans to be using renewable sources for 100% of the electricity it uses by 2010, implement higher energy standards in new buildings and refurbishments, and increase the use of biofuels and fuel-efficient vehicles.