Gas as a bridge to a low-carbon future

Gas could play an important role as a 'bridging fuel' to a low-carbon economy but it won't be long before gas becomes part of the problem rather than the solution, finds a study involving UCL scientists. The research for two UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) reports combines the latest energy system modelling techniques with analysis of UK gas security to assess future demand. To prevent global temperatures rising above 2oC, the findings suggest that further gas use will be needed in the short term to replace coal and complement the increases in low-carbon energy sources that must also occur. However, this is dependent on gas use beginning to fall in the late 2020s and early 2030s, with any major role beyond 2035 requiring the widespread use of carbon capture and storage. There is also significant geographical diversity in the role that gas can play in addressing climate change; with a very limited use in some regions and an extended and strong role in others. Dr Christophe McGlade from the UCL Bartlett School of Environment, Energy & Resources, who led the modelling work, said: "Gas could play an important role in tackling climate change over the next 10 to 20 years, but its role varies across the world. Advocacy of gas as a transition fuel therefore needs a convincing narrative as to how global coal consumption can be curtailed and be replaced by low-carbon energy sources." Changing global demand patterns and uncertainty in the long-term prospects for gas may limit the investment required in new infrastructure.