Integration of Electricity and Gas Networks | Niko Bosnjak (ONTRAS)

Maria Olczak (FSR) and Dr. Niko Bosnjak (Energy Policy Manager at ONTRAS) discuss the integration of Electricity and Gas Networks. The rapid deployment of energy from renewable sources helps to tackle climate change, but at the same time poses new challenges to existing networks and the entire energy industry. One of them is the intermittency of renewables, since their output depends on the available sunlight, wind speeds and wave activity. How can we manage the intermittency? One of the answers is an integration of electricity and gas networks. Dr. Bosnjak explains how the use of gas grids contributes not only to the reliability and safety of the system, but also helps to save costs, e.g. those related to power grid expansion. This is one of the findings of the study on the German energy market commissioned by the Association of German Gas Transmission System Operators (FNB Gas e.V.). In the final part of the podcast, Dr. Bosnjak discusses the key obstacles preventing the integration of electricity and gas networks. Recorded on the 1st December 2017. Related event: Regulatory Gaps For a Future Proof Interaction of Electricity and Gas Networks