GAS INDUSTRY’S TRANSITION PATHWAY
with other net-zero compliant options such as heat pumps. As Iain explained: “Successfully completing the energy transition by 2050 will require the utilisation of a range of low-carbon heating solutions. Electric based heating solutions such as heat pumps will certainly play a role but every house, business and user is different, and what works for one may not work for another. “Ensuring that consumers have a choice is very important and that’s why we are working to ensure that those homes and businesses which are, or could be, connected to the gas network have access to a supply of renewable gases. With that in place, experts such as plumbers and heat engineers can advise homeowners of the best approach to suit the needs of their home – renewable gas boiler, heat pump or indeed a hybrid of the two – along with the most economic energy efficiency measures. “A gradual approach to transitioning
the network also allows homeowners to adopt a gradual approach to boiler replacement. The hope is that you won’t have to pre-emptively remove your boiler to put a hydrogen ready one in, it should be when the natural lifecycle of the legacy boiler has come to an end.” EXCITING TIMES 2030 is right around the corner for the country to reduce emissions by 80%, and at Phoenix Natural Gas the transition plan is rolling full steam ahead. “The next step will be connecting the first biomethane producers to the network and managing that process,” Iain commented. Regarding the workforce necessary to make the transition happen, Iain said working on the distribution of renewable fuels is a transferable skill. “Biomethane and green hydrogen have different properties, but they are essentially gas, so it wouldn’t be very different for
people who work in the industry now and already have the necessary base skillsets. “Northern Ireland already has an existing skilled gas workforce of over 2,500 people, including plumbers and engineers, who already deliver a trusted, quality, service to gas users across the province. There will be great opportunities for this workforce in the future as it drives forward the large-scale installation of future low carbon heating solutions in every home and business over the next three decades. “In preparation for the changes coming down the line, all members of the industry should consider further honing and enhancing their existing skills by taking advantage of hydrogen training options. In particular, the Hydrogen Training Academy at Ballymena is an excellent local resource which will help prepare the industry for the upcoming introduction of a hydrogen blend into the existing natural gas supply. I would encourage industry members to make full use of it,” Iain said.
Further information on the journey to decarbonisation at Phoenix Natural Gas is available at: www.phoenixnaturalgas.com/safety-environment/energy-transition
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