Sustainable Solutions for a Sustainable Future in the Natural Gas and Electricity Markets

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Since 2020, inflation has soared in most countries across the world, with immense impacts on their economic evolution. Some of those countries are expected to witness an economic recession in 2023. There are several causes underlying this boost in and evolution of inflation, among which the covid pandemic and the Ukrainian war are especially significant. Although the covid pandemic is now an event of the past, it was responsible for one of the most remarkable breaks in the supply chain. In this context, the energy supply chain was not immune from the pandemic's effects, which initially altered and drastically reduced the demand for energy. However, the abatement of the pandemic entailed a rapid economic recovery that sharply increased the energy demand. This abrupt change in the energy demand led to a significant increase in energy prices. Natural gas prices, which peaked at the end of 2021, especially in the European and Asian markets, are an obvious example. Unfortunately, by the time it appeared that energy prices may be recovering, the Ukrainian war reversed the situation, hampering this recovery of affordable natural gas. According to IEA data, European and Asian countries have experienced the greatest impacts of the increased natural gas prices. This increase has had a compounded effect on the economies of these countries, impacting sectors that rely on high-temperature industrial processes in which natural gas plays a key role. In addition, since combined cycle power plants, which use natural gas for electricity production, play a role in the final clearing of energy prices in the electricity market, natural gas is also currently lagging behind the growth of energy prices in the electricity market. In light of this situation, this Topic aims to adopt the broadest possible scope so as to develop our understanding of the root of this problem and its inherent causes. As a main objective, this Topic will focus on the functioning of the natural gas trading and electricity markets. Specifically, we invite authors to submit papers that aim to explain and clarify the following developments:

• The current situation regarding the reserves, locations and different methods of the extraction and production of natural gas. Who is involved in the supply, transportation and subsequent sale of natural gas worldwide? What are the economic structures supporting these activities? Who are the leading actors? How are trade flows and the related changes in prices are determined? What are the factors that have shaped the current situation of the natural gas trade?
• The impact of the Ukrainian war on natural gas trading, the new routes of supply and the strategies for diversification.
• The functioning of the world’s leading electricity markets the ways in which their operation and market rules are responsible for the increase in electricity prices as natural gas prices increase.

The measures that have been implemented worldwide in the electricity markets so as to contain the increase in electricity market prices and their consequences. Another key objective of this Topic is to identify and provide solutions to the problem outlines above, focusing on topics including but not limited to:

• New sustainable primary energy sources that may be capable of replacing natural gas in some of the current processes, thus economically competing with it.
• New inversions and infrastructures that may help to contain changes in natural gas prices in the future.
• New and integrated strategies regarding the purchase of natural gas from the perspectives European and Asian countries.
• The required modifications of the current rules of the electricity market that may aid in efforts to prevent and mitigate the impact of natural gas prices on electricity prices.
• New sustainable energy asset solutions for the electricity sector that can provide the same services as the combined cycled power plants at lower marginal costs.

Dr. Helena Martin
Dr. Jordi de la Hoz
Dr. Pere Palacín
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Electricity electricity	-	-	2020	20.3 Days	CHF 1000
Electronics electronics	2.9	4.7	2012	15.6 Days	CHF 2400
Energies energies	3.2	5.5	2008	16.1 Days	CHF 2600
Processes processes	3.5	4.7	2013	13.7 Days	CHF 2400
Sustainability sustainability	3.9	5.8	2009	18.8 Days	CHF 2400

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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All Electricity Electronics Energies Processes Sustainability

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31 pages, 23233 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

A Stochastic MPC-Based Flexibility Scheduling Strategy for Community Integrated Energy System Considering Multi-Temporal-Spatial-Scale and Inertia Components

by Wei Zhang and Jie Wu

Processes 2024, 12(3), 457; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12030457 - 23 Feb 2024

Viewed by 479

Abstract

The network trend of isolated communities adds urgency to accelerate the deployment of community integrated energy systems (CIES). CIES effectively combines and optimizes multiple energy systems, leveraging their complementarity for efficient utilization and economical energy supply. However, the escalating intricacies of coupling multiple [...] Read more.

The network trend of isolated communities adds urgency to accelerate the deployment of community integrated energy systems (CIES). CIES effectively combines and optimizes multiple energy systems, leveraging their complementarity for efficient utilization and economical energy supply. However, the escalating intricacies of coupling multiple energy sources and the rising system uncertainties both pose challenges to flexibility scheduling of energy supply and demand. Additionally, the potential flexibility of building thermal inertia and pipeline gas linepack in diverse CIES, encompassing residential, commercial, and industrial communities, remains unexplored. To tackle these issues, a stochastic model predictive control (SMPC) based multi-temporal-spatial-scale flexibility scheduling strategy considering multiple uncertainty sources and system inertia components is proposed. First, the optimization model of CIES is formulated to improve operational flexibility and efficiency, resolve energy discrepancies and expand the capacity for renewable energy utilization. Then, the SMPC-based framework embedding an auto-regressive model and scenario generation method are established to make real-time corrections to the day-ahead scheduling stage and offset the prediction errors of uncertainty sources economically. Furthermore, thermal inertia of the aggregated buildings with different envelopes and linepack in gas pipelines are both leveraged to enhance the flexibility and synergy of CIES. Finally, a case study is executed to verify the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed strategy. The simulation results unequivocally demonstrate that this strategy successfully coordinates and harnesses complementary advantages from various energy sources, fostering a balanced energy supply-demand equilibrium across multiple temporal and spatial scales. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Solutions for a Sustainable Future in the Natural Gas and Electricity Markets)

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15 pages, 4580 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of a Manifold Structure on the Measurement Results of a PIV Flowmeter

by Huiyu Chen, Yilong Qiu, Hui Wang and Mengjie Gao

Processes 2024, 12(1), 144; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12010144 - 07 Jan 2024

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Abstract

The application of particle image velocimetry (PIV) technology for monitoring natural gas flow is a new method of flow measurement. Since the principle of this technology was proposed, there are still some potential issues. This article investigates the influence of a manifold structure [...] Read more.

The application of particle image velocimetry (PIV) technology for monitoring natural gas flow is a new method of flow measurement. Since the principle of this technology was proposed, there are still some potential issues. This article investigates the influence of a manifold structure on the measurement results of a PIV flowmeter. A comparison is performed between concentric and eccentric manifold structures, using a circular straight pipe as reference, in terms of the measurement error of the PIV flowmeter and the internal flow state of the natural gas. The results demonstrate that the manifold structure significantly affects the measurement reliability of the PIV flowmeter, especially the eccentric manifold structure. Under flow conditions ranging from 100 to 600 m³/h, the maximum measurement errors caused by the concentric and eccentric manifold structures are 2.49% and 3.05%, respectively, which show a noticeable increase compared to the maximum measurement error of 2.08% observed for the circular straight pipe. Additionally, the influence of the manifold structure on the downstream flow field is also evident, as the eccentric manifold structure increases the turbulence intensity of the downstream fluid by nearly twofold. The addition of a rectifier can effectively improve the flow state and enhance the measurement reliability of the PIV flowmeter. For the concentric manifold structure under the condition of a 600 m³/h flow rate, the inclusion of a rectifier produces highly accurate measurement results, similar to those obtained by an ultrasonic flowmeter, with an error value close to zero. This study provides technical support for further promoting the practical application of PIV flowmeters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Solutions for a Sustainable Future in the Natural Gas and Electricity Markets)

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18 pages, 3498 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Method for Emergency Scheduling of Natural Gas Pipeline Networks Based on Heuristic Optimization

by Qi Xiang, Zhaoming Yang, Yuxuan He, Lin Fan, Huai Su and Jinjun Zhang

Sustainability 2023, 15(19), 14383; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151914383 - 29 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 743

Abstract

Safety and disturbance issues in system engineering have garnered substantial attention. This study focuses on the analysis of the distinct characteristics of emergency dispatch problems in Natural Gas Pipeline Networks (NGPS). Graph theory serves as a tool to transform the NGPS topology and [...] Read more.

Safety and disturbance issues in system engineering have garnered substantial attention. This study focuses on the analysis of the distinct characteristics of emergency dispatch problems in Natural Gas Pipeline Networks (NGPS). Graph theory serves as a tool to transform the NGPS topology and establish an optimization model for NGPS emergency dispatch. The model also integrates user weights, satisfaction, and reduction factors into the user modeling approach. Its objective is to maximize overall system satisfaction while considering factors such as demand-side requirements and operational constraints. To solve this optimization model, the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) method is employed. An in-depth exploration of four unique disturbance scenarios provides solid evidence of the effectiveness and practicality of the PSO method. Compared to other methods, the PSO method consistently boosts overall user satisfaction and aligns more fluidly with the real-time demands of emergency scheduling, regardless of reduced supply capacity, complete supply interruptions, sudden surges in user demand, or pipeline connection failures. The developed emergency scheduling optimization method presents two key advantages. Firstly, it proficiently mitigates potential losses stemming from decreased supply capacity at local or regional levels. By adeptly adjusting natural gas supply strategies, it minimizes economic and production losses while ensuring a steady supply to critical users. Secondly, the method is superior at swiftly reducing the affected area and managing the increased demand for natural gas, thus maintaining NGPS stability. This research underscores the importance of considering user characteristics and demands during emergencies and demonstrates the effectiveness of employing the PSO method to navigate emergency scheduling challenges. By strengthening the resilience of the pipeline network and ensuring a sustainable natural gas supply, this study constitutes a significant contribution to energy security, economic development, and the promotion of clean energy utilization, ultimately propelling the achievement of sustainable development goals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Solutions for a Sustainable Future in the Natural Gas and Electricity Markets)

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14 pages, 272 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Global Gas and LNG Markets: Demand, Supply Dynamics, and Implications for the Future

by Rodrigo Pereira Botão, Hirdan Katarina de Medeiros Costa and Edmilson Moutinho dos Santos

Energies 2023, 16(13), 5223; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16135223 - 07 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1799

Abstract

This article offers a comprehensive analysis of the global gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) markets, discussing increasing demand, market volatility, supply and demand dynamics, and the implications of the Paris Agreement on natural gas demand. It emphasizes the potential impacts of decarbonization [...] Read more.

This article offers a comprehensive analysis of the global gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) markets, discussing increasing demand, market volatility, supply and demand dynamics, and the implications of the Paris Agreement on natural gas demand. It emphasizes the potential impacts of decarbonization policies on the LNG market, including changes in energy composition, reduced LNG demand, increased costs, and the need for industry adaptation. The article also examines the future outlook, investment needs, and implications for global gas and LNG markets, highlighting the continued uptake of gas in heavy-duty transport and the importance of investment to avoid supply–demand gaps. Overall, the analysis provides insights into the complex dynamics and challenges facing the global gas and LNG markets in the context of energy transition and climate change mitigation efforts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Solutions for a Sustainable Future in the Natural Gas and Electricity Markets)

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