Pressure from Sub-Sea Gas Fields May be Used to Generate Electricity

Britain could soon be using the flow of high pressure gas from fields into the national pipeline network to create electricity that is carbon free.  The government stated its commitment to the renewable energy on Friday.

The main proponent of the geopressure technology in the UK is 2oc.  The company is working with the network operator, National Grid, to generate up to a gigawatt of power through this method by 2010.  The power is equivalent to the output of a large nuclear power station.

The government’s support comes on the past possible exclusion of the technology from Britain’s Renewables’ Obligation (RO).  The technology uses the pressure of gas into the network to drive turbines and make electricity.

However, the reversal of position comes in the face of a possible increase in European Union targets for the UK regarding renewable energy.

“Geopressure has the potential to be a low-carbon energy source which will help the UK in meeting its ambitious targets to cut carbon emissions,” energy minister Malcolm Wicks stated.

In the past, gas flowing from sub-sea fields at high pressure had to be held in reduction stations across the country before it could safely enter UK homes.

www.nationalgrid.com