At-a-Glance:

Carbon-neutral with power-to-gas is the least expensive option for U.S. utilities trying to reach 100% carbon reduction within the operations of energy grid networks over a period of 20 years, according to a new whitepaper released by Wärtsilä. To learn more, read this article on Smart Energy International titled “Power-to-gas proves least expensive path to net-zero”.

Key Takeaways:

  • According to the study, utilities can achieve 80% carbon reduction based purely on economics, with no subsidies, mandates or renewable requirements.
  • However, utilities will need to make use of gas to meet energy demand in the event renewables are scarce and battery energy storage cannot cope with the demand.
  • Pathways to 100% require additional flexible gas capacity
  • By leveraging a carbon-neutral model with power-to-gas technologies, US utilities have the ability to:
    • Meet net-zero carbon emission goals suggested by the IPCC
    • Maintain reliability and energy security
    • Install flexible thermal capacity to support renewables, free from stranded asset concerns
    • Minimize costs to ratepayers

Path to 100% Perspective:

Power-to-Gas (PtG) is a critical component of net-zero pathways, providing a mechanism for seasonal energy shifting to complement the shorter-term storage technologies, and reduces over-generation by optimizing utilization of renewable resources.  Renewable methane can directly interface with all existing natural gas storage and distribution systems and be used to power natural gas capacity utilities now, assuring flexible thermal assets installed today will never become stranded assets. To read more, download the whitepaper.