Background

A large UK gas distribution network was looking to respond to the growing trend of decentralised energy systems and the shift towards renewable energy sources.

Regulatory, economic, and technological changes were prompting a reassessment of how energy networks could support local generation, storage, and resilience.

The client wanted to explore how these developments might affect future network requirements and identify practical opportunities for the gas network to contribute to a more decentralised energy system.

Approach

We combined desk research, interviews with domestic and international energy experts and internal stakeholder interviews to map global examples of decentralisation, understand the evolution of decentralised networks, resilience requirements, and the practical roles that infrastructure operators could play in supporting system resilience

We also developed future decentralisation scenarios in the UK, and drawing on client perspectives collaboratively pinpointed attractive opportunities.

Outcome

We identified key opportunities for enhancing system resilience within decentralised infrastructure, while also highlighting additional areas for potential development.

Our analysis supported the client in prioritising the most commercially promising options, navigating regulatory and operational complexities, and formulating strategies for engaging with new market developments.

The comprehensive report also offered broader industry stakeholders valuable perspectives on potential future scenarios.