Introduction

Decarbonisation refers to the process of reducing or eliminating carbon emissions from various sectors of the economy, such as energy, transportation, agriculture, and manufacturing. The goal of decarbonisation is to mitigate climate change by reducing the concentration of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), in the atmosphere. One sector that contributes significantly to carbon emissions is the manufacture of gas, which includes the production of natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and other gases used for heating, cooking, and industrial processes. This article explores the importance of decarbonisation in the manufacture of gas sector, the main sources of carbon emissions, reduction strategies, challenges, and implications.

Decarbonisation in the Manufacture of Gas Sector: Importance

The manufacture of gas sector is a significant contributor to global carbon emissions, accounting for about 6% of total emissions in 2019, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). The main sources of emissions in this sector are the combustion of fossil fuels, such as natural gas, coal, and oil, to produce heat and electricity, and the release of methane during the extraction, processing, and transportation of natural gas. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, with a global warming potential (GWP) 28 times higher than CO2 over a 100-year time horizon, and 84 times higher over a 20-year time horizon, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Therefore, reducing methane emissions is a crucial aspect of decarbonisation in the manufacture of gas sector.

Decarbonisation is important for several reasons. Firstly, it is necessary to meet the global climate goals of limiting the increase in average global temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, and pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5°C, as set out in the Paris Agreement. This requires a significant reduction in carbon emissions from all sectors, including the manufacture of gas. Secondly, decarbonisation can improve the air quality and public health by reducing the emissions of air pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and particulate matter (PM), which have adverse effects on respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Thirdly, decarbonisation can create new business opportunities and jobs in the renewable energy and low-carbon technology sectors, as well as enhance energy security and resilience by diversifying the energy mix and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Main Sources of Carbon Emissions in the Manufacture of Gas Sector

The manufacture of gas sector emits carbon from various sources, including direct combustion of fossil fuels, fugitive emissions of methane, and energy use in the production processes. The following are the main sources of carbon emissions in this sector:

1. Combustion of fossil fuels: The combustion of fossil fuels, such as natural gas, coal, and oil, to produce heat and electricity is the largest source of carbon emissions in the manufacture of gas sector. The combustion process releases CO2, NOx, SO2, and PM into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change and air pollution.
2. Fugitive emissions of methane: Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that is released during the extraction, processing, and transportation of natural gas. Methane leaks can occur at various stages of the gas supply chain, such as drilling, well completion, pipeline transport, and storage. Methane emissions from the manufacture of gas sector account for about 2% of global emissions, according to the IEA.
3. Energy use in production processes: The manufacture of gas sector requires significant energy inputs for various processes, such as compression, liquefaction, and purification. The energy use can result in carbon emissions from the electricity generation or combustion of fossil fuels used to power the processes.

Reduction Strategies for Carbon Emissions in the Manufacture of Gas Sector

To achieve decarbonisation in the manufacture of gas sector, various reduction strategies can be implemented, including:

1. Renewable energy: The use of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, can reduce the reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation and heating. Renewable energy can also be used to power the production processes of gas, such as compression and purification.
2. Energy efficiency: Improving the energy efficiency of the production processes and equipment can reduce the energy use and associated carbon emissions. This can be achieved through the adoption of energy-efficient technologies, such as heat recovery and cogeneration, and the implementation of energy management systems.
3. Methane mitigation: Reducing methane emissions from the manufacture of gas sector can significantly contribute to decarbonisation. Methane mitigation measures can include the use of leak detection and repair technologies, the adoption of best practices in the extraction and processing of natural gas, and the implementation of regulations and standards to reduce emissions.
4. Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS): CCUS technologies can capture CO2 emissions from the manufacture of gas sector and store them underground or use them for enhanced oil recovery or other industrial processes. CCUS can enable the continued use of natural gas while reducing the associated carbon emissions.

Challenges Facing Decarbonisation in the Manufacture of Gas Sector

Decarbonisation in the manufacture of gas sector faces several challenges, including:

1. Cost: The implementation of decarbonisation strategies can involve significant upfront costs, which may deter some companies from investing in low-carbon technologies. The cost of renewable energy and CCUS technologies has been declining in recent years, but they still require substantial investments.
2. Technical feasibility: Some decarbonisation strategies, such as CCUS and methane mitigation, require advanced technologies and infrastructure that may not be available or feasible in some regions or contexts. The technical challenges can include the capture and storage of CO2, the detection and repair of methane leaks, and the integration of renewable energy into the gas supply chain.
3. Policy and regulatory barriers: The lack of supportive policies and regulations can hinder the adoption of low-carbon technologies and practices in the manufacture of gas sector. The policies can include incentives for renewable energy and CCUS, regulations for methane emissions, and standards for energy efficiency.
4. Market demand: The demand for natural gas and other gases may continue to grow in the coming years, particularly in developing countries, which can make decarbonisation more challenging. The market demand can be influenced by factors such as population growth, urbanization, and industrialization.

Implications of Decarbonisation for Manufacture of Gas Sector

Decarbonisation in the manufacture of gas sector can have several implications, including:

1. Shift in business models: Decarbonisation can require a shift in the business models of gas companies, from the traditional fossil fuel-based model to a low-carbon or renewable energy-based model. This can involve investments in new technologies and infrastructure, partnerships with renewable energy companies, and diversification of the product portfolio.
2. Job creation and skills development: Decarbonisation can create new job opportunities in the renewable energy and low-carbon technology sectors, as well as in the implementation and maintenance of decarbonisation strategies. The transition to a low-carbon economy can also require the development of new skills and training programs.
3. Energy security and resilience: Decarbonisation can enhance the energy security and resilience of countries by diversifying the energy mix and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. The use of renewable energy and CCUS can also provide a more stable and predictable energy supply.
4. Environmental and social benefits: Decarbonisation can contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions and air pollutants, improving the environmental and public health outcomes. It can also support the achievement of sustainable development goals, such as poverty reduction, gender equality, and climate action.

Conclusion

Decarbonisation in the manufacture of gas sector is essential to mitigate climate change, improve air quality and public health, create new business opportunities and jobs, and enhance energy security and resilience. The main sources of carbon emissions in this sector are the combustion of fossil fuels, fugitive emissions of methane, and energy use in production processes. To reduce carbon emissions, various strategies can be implemented, including the use of renewable energy, energy efficiency, methane mitigation, and CCUS. However, decarbonisation in the manufacture of gas sector faces several challenges, such as cost, technical feasibility, policy and regulatory barriers, and market demand. The implications of decarbonisation can include a shift in business models, job creation and skills development, energy security and resilience, and environmental and social benefits.