SGN Natural Gas: Christmas Newsletter 2022

Christmas Newsletter 2022

Welcome to the Christmas 2022 issue of the SGN Natural Gas Newsletter.

It’s been an eventful year for us, and one that we can all reflect on with pride.

The first half of the year concluded with our huge ‘Summer Daze’ campaign in which over 2,000 people collectively turned out across all the fun days that took place in our main network towns. This was a massive operation, and we were thrilled to see so many residents in attendance, allowing us to engage with them on a more personal level while also highlighting the benefits of natural gas.

Speaking of benefits, we always love hearing the stories of those who join our network. We heard from Terry McCartney, owner of the Belmore Court & Motel in Enniskillen in our previous issue about reliability and sustainability being key factors in switching from LPG to natural gas. In this edition you will be able to read all about 21 Training in Strabane and their conversion journey. Their Chairman, Kieran Kennedy, kindly spoke to us and highlighted that our role in decarbonisation was an important factor in 21 Training becoming part of the network.

We are now heading into an exciting period for SGN Natural Gas as we prepare to make further strides in decarbonisation. As Northern Ireland’s newest gas network, our state-of-the-art infrastructure is already set up to receive 100% biomethane, putting us at the forefront of the energy transition. Once fed through the gas grid, this green energy source can be used for heating, cooking and a variety of industrial purposes as an alternative to natural gas.

SGN Natural Gas also recently teamed up with the other Gas Network Operators in Northern Ireland to launch the ‘Pathway to Net-Zero’ - a joint plan for decarbonising the region’s gas network by 2050. As the gas network operator for the west of the province, SGN Natural Gas will be working to deliver this plan in our key towns of Coalisland, Cookstown, Derrylin, Dungannon, Enniskillen, Magherafelt, Omagh and Strabane.

We are planning for the injection of biomethane early next year in Dungannon and work is already underway to bring further biomethane producers on board. As an agriculturally rich area, we have the opportunity to take advantage of our renewable gas production potential, to not only become energy self-sufficient, but also to become a significant energy exporter in the long term.

We have attended a number of energy conferences this year of which decarbonisation has been the main topic of discussion. At the ABDA (Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association) Northern Ireland Forum we looked at the vital roles of anaerobic digestion and biogas, while also considering routes to market, revenue streams, nutrient management and emerging policy and regulation, all within the framework of Northern Ireland’s drive to net zero. Elsewhere, the NI Energy Forum 2022 brought together all the key players in the energy sector, both from within Northern Ireland and further afield. This provided us with a great opportunity to highlight and discuss the most important aspects of energy policy, while also focusing on the latest developments for the energy transition.

As our network continues to expand, it’s also crucial to be prepared for any emergencies. In November, members of our team attended the NINEC workshop in Belfast for training in how to manage such scenarios before taking part in a live exercise. Although the simulated gas emergency took place outside of our network, it was still reassuring to know that we have these protocols in place. Communication is an essential part of managing such situations, so it was great to see our team working together so cohesively.

Finally, to all those who have contributed to the successful delivery of our projects in 2022, thank you so much for all your hard work. With the stage now set for an exciting new year, I look forward to continuing in our collaborative efforts.

On behalf of SGN Natural Gas, have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

David Butler Director, SGN Natural Gas

SGN Natural Gas not involved in fracking

SGN Natural Gas has reassured the public in Northern Ireland that it plays no role in fracking, a process which has been a topic of public conversation recently.

The company responsible for the development of the newest natural gas mains network in the west of Northern Ireland also reiterated its positive engagement with stakeholders, which has been fully transparent from the outset. SGN Natural Gas has directly engaged with members of the public, the business community, statutory partners, and elected representatives.

David Butler, Director at SGN Natural Gas said: “There is no alignment between any proposed fracking project and our own efforts building infrastructure here. We are a distribution company, not a production company and we are delighted to reassure the local communities in our network area that we play no role in fracking.

“The role of SGN Natural Gas is to build suitable infrastructure that will allow customers and businesses here to heat their homes and premises using a fuel source that achieves a greater carbon saving than older oil and coal systems. Meanwhile, new developments on using our infrastructure in the journey to net zero continue to evolve at pace.

“Importantly at SGN Natural Gas, we are working with our industry partners on the integration of zero carbon fuels such as biomethane into the network, which is expected in 2022. This is a huge milestone which highlights the key role our infrastructure will play, particularly in Northern Ireland where levels of biomethane are higher than in other parts of the world.”

Mr Butler concluded: “Leveraging these considerations and becoming a world leader in new, green energy is a very real opportunity for our region and one that excites us as an innovative utility infrastructure company. We look forward to playing our role in this critical process and will continue to engage with the public on our plans.”

Scam alert

Amid the rise of cost-of-living scams, the PSNI are warning the public to be on their guard against an increase in fraudulent behaviour.

This follows the circulation of a text scam, which offers false energy discounts in an attempt to get hold of people’s personal or banking details.

An increase in recent illegal communication means these scams can also come in the form of phone calls, emails, social media correspondence, pop-up messages on a website, and door-to-door engagement.

Superintendent Gerard Pollock, Chairperson of the Scamwise NI Partnership, has issued a warning against the threat of scams: “Please, do not let yourself be fooled. The easiest way to stop a scam is to apply these five rules - hang up the call immediately; always delete texts requesting personal information or bank account details; never call the number back; never click on links in text messages, or respond to unsolicited texts; and never, ever transfer money at the request of someone you do not know. This last one is very important, and it will assist in preventing these criminals gaining access to your money and you losing out. It is worth reiterating that you should never transfer money to another account having received a call from someone you do not know.”

David Butler, Director of SGN Natural Gas, added: “SGN Natural Gas supports this warning from the PSNI. Being aware of fraudulent behaviour, cybercrime and scams is extremely important. I would like to remind our customers not to engage with any suspicious communication. If you have doubts about any correspondence you have received from SGN Natural Gas, you can contact us directly on 0800 975 7774, the live chat function on our website or via our social media channels.”

If you have become the victim of a scam, report it to the police on 101, or online at www.psni. police.uk/makeareport/ and notify your bank immediately.

Further information and advice on scams can be found at nidirect.gov.uk/scamwiseni or consumercouncil.org.uk/scams.

SGN Natural Gas supports use of Anaerobic Digestion for NI’s energy future

SGN Natural Gas is prepared to play a leading role in Northern Ireland’s pathway to net zero and proudly supports the process of anaerobic digestion to produce biomethane.

The company recently attended the ADBA Northern Ireland Forum in Belfast, which presented the inside track on how anaerobic digestion and biomethane will drive the region’s decarbonisation strategy.

Biomethane is derived from biogas, which is produced when breaking down organic matter such as livestock manure, grass silage and food waste. This process is known as anaerobic digestion and occurs in sealed, oxygen-free containers.

As a green, renewable source of energy, biomethane can then be injected into the pipelines and used for heating, transport and a variety of industrial purposes as a substitute to natural gas.

Gordon Lyons MLA was among the speakers at the ADBA Northern Ireland Forum where he talked about maximising Northern Ireland’s opportunities for biomethane in the path to net zero energy.

The Minister positively stated: “I am confident biomethane injection into the gas network will happen sooner rather than later.”

Alan Midwinter, Head of Biomethane Development at SGN Commercial Services - our parent company - outlined his experiences of injecting biomethane into natural gas grids and overcoming barriers to entry.

The high intensity of farming, largely driven by the demand for agricultural products along with relatively low but growing gas demand per capita, puts Northern Ireland in the unique position of being able to decarbonise the region through the increased use of biogas to

produce biomethane.

This follows a study led by Queen’s University Belfast and funded by the Centre for Advanced Sustainable Energy (CASE), which found that biomethane produced via anaerobic digestion could help meet 80% of Northern Ireland’s energy demands.

Professor David Rooney, who was involved in the study and also present at the conference, spoke to guests about the exciting potential for biomethane across the province.

Speakers also included representatives from DAERA, the Ulster Farmers’ Union, KPMG and the AgriFood and Biosciences Institute.

ADBA Chairman Chris Huhne pointed out that Northern Ireland “is the best placed part of the UK” to produce this “home-grown, costeffective and sustainable source thanks to the importance of livestock farming”.

David Butler, Director of SGN Natural Gas, was at the conference on the company’s behalf.

He said: “The ADBA Northern Ireland Forum was a brilliant learning experience and further highlights the pivotal role biomethane will play in our decarbonisation journey. As Northern Ireland’s newest gas network, our state-of-the-art infrastructure is already set up to receive 100% biomethane, with a planned injection into the pipelines by early 2023.

“With levels of biomethane higher here than in other parts of the world, leveraging these considerations and becoming a world leader in new, green energy is a very real opportunity for our region. Furthermore, existing and prospective SGN Natural Gas customers can also take comfort in the knowledge that their boilers are biomethane-ready, meaning no changes will be required to their set-ups.”

NI Gas Network Operators launch Pathway to Net-Zero

Northern Ireland’s five Gas Network Operators – Phoenix Natural Gas, firmus energy, SGN Natural Gas, Mutual Energy and GNI(UK), a subsidiary of Gas Networks Ireland – have collectively launched their joint plan to fully decarbonise the region’s gas network by 2050.

Named the Pathway to Net-Zero, this plan charts out how the gas network will transition away from natural gas to renewable alternatives such as biomethane and hydrogen to support Northern Ireland’s emission targets.

As the gas network operator for the west of the province, SGN Natural Gas will be working to deliver this plan in a number of key towns such as Coalisland, Cookstown, Derrylin, Dungannon, Enniskillen, Magherafelt, Omagh and Strabane.

The injection of biomethane into the Northern Ireland gas grid is expected to commence as soon as 2023 whilst significant work is underway to accommodate green hydrogen by the middle of this decade. Fully transitioning to renewable gases will reduce regional CO₂ emissions by around 1.4 million tonnes per annum.

Pictured (L>R): Niall Martindale, Managing Director, firmus energy; Áine Spillane, Regulatory Affairs Manager, GNI(UK); Michael McKinstry, Chief Executive, Phoenix Natural Gas; Gordon Lyons MLA; Paddy Larkin, Managing Director, Mutual Energy; and David Butler, Director, SGN Natural Gas

Decarbonising the gas rather than changing the heating system will offer nearly 550,000 gas users an affordable transition to net-zero with minimal disruption, enabling customers to continue enjoying all the convenience and benefits of a gas heating system safe in the knowledge that the gas they use will be 100% renewable by 2050.

Welcoming the launch of the Pathway, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA commented: “I welcome these ambitious proposals to decarbonise the Northern Ireland Gas Network. Encouraging the production of renewable gases will create a significant source of indigenous green energy which will reduce our reliance on importing price volatile fossil fuels. This will ensure that in the delivery of self-sufficiency in affordable renewable energy, we will transform our economy, and the whole of our society will benefit from it.”

David Butler, Director of SGN Natural Gas, said: “With climate change being arguably the biggest challenge facing our planet today, this plan signifies a huge, positive step in Northern Ireland’s own decarbonisation journey. It was great to team up with the other network operators to produce this collaborative plan and we’re delighted to now be able to unveil this to the public and our stakeholders.

“Not only is this a major announcement for Northern Ireland, but also for our own network area. As Northern Ireland’s newest gas network, our state-of-the-art infrastructure is already set up to receive 100% biomethane, with a planned injection into the pipelines by early 2023. And with levels of biomethane higher here than in other parts of the world, leveraging these considerations and becoming a world leader in new, green energy is a very real opportunity for our region.”

The transition to using renewable gases offers the opportunity for Northern Ireland to grow its green economy by investing in indigenous renewable gas production which in turn will support economic growth and job creation across the region.

Queen’s University Belfast has established that there is sufficient biomethane production potential from Northern Ireland’s large agricultural sector to meet over 80% of the region’s current gas distribution network demand. Similarly, Northern Ireland’s significant levels of excess wind generation can be harnessed to produce green hydrogen.

Rather than importing energy, Northern Ireland has the opportunity to take advantage of its excellent renewable gas production potential to become energy self-sufficient and, in the long term, a significant energy exporter.

Welcoming the gas network’s ambitious proposals, Declan Billington, Chair of the CBI NI Energy Working Group, commented: “In the future Northern Ireland’s world leading products will be judged not just on price but also their carbon footprint. The swift incorporation of renewable gases into the gas network will be crucial to support the decarbonisation of our industrial sector and allow us to remain competitive in global markets.”

Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) deputy president William Irvine said: “The Gas Network Pathway to Net-Zero further recognises the significant cross sectoral benefits of biomethane injection and demonstrates the opportunity for biomethane, and the wider agricultural sector, to play a major role in Northern Ireland’s energy transition. We hope its publication will encourage key decision makers to make our aspirations a reality.”

An online version of the full Pathway to Net-Zero document can be found at phoenixnaturalgas.com/pathwaytonetzero

21 Training ‘proud’ to join decarbonisation journey

SGN Natural Gas’ role in decarbonisation was one of the decisive factors in 21 Training becoming part of the network.

21 Training runs a number of programmes aimed at helping individuals achieve their professional goals. The organisation has centres across Northern Ireland in Derry, Coleraine, Enniskillen, Omagh and Strabane.

It was the latter’s site that recently signed up to SGN Natural Gas’ ever-growing network, which is playing a leading role in decarbonisation by helping to remove millions of tonnes of CO2 from the west of the province, where oil and solid fuel use remains prevalent.

With natural gas being one of the most environmentallyfriendly heating sources, this is one of the primary factors for conversions, which was also the case for 21 Training.

The organisation’s Chairman, Kieran Kennedy, said: “Here at 21 Training, we believe in creating a supportive, friendly learning environment, allowing people to aspire to be the person they want to become.

“This also extends to our physical environment and what appealed to us about SGN Natural Gas is that, like us, they are always thinking about the future.”

“Climate change is the biggest challenge facing the planet, therefore we’re proud to have become part of the SGN Natural Gas network and play our part in reducing our carbon footprint.”

Heating efficiency and instant access to hot water are among the other benefits of switching to natural gas. Such benefits are also expected to be well received at 21 Training’s

21 Training Chairman, Kieran Kennedy

Strabane centre, which has office, boardroom and classroom facilities, and caters for up to 100 students and staff.

“We’re excited at the prospect of having a much more efficient boiler at the premises and the fact that there will be no more waiting for the water to heat up is an added bonus,” said Mr Kennedy, who was also delighted with the speed of the installation process.

He added: “The process was quick and seamless right from the outset. We couldn’t have asked for better service.”

21 Training Chairman, Kieran Kennedy