Quality and metering of gas in the grids are crucial aspects for the gas industry. The composition of natural gas and renewable gases strongly depends on the origin or the production method impacting characteristics like carbon dioxide, heavy hydrocarbon, water content, sulphur, etc.  Additionally, accurate gas metering is essential for precise measurement of flow across pipelines.

Gas quality is determined by parameters, such as the calorific value and the Wobbe Index, ensuring safe and efficient transmission, storage, distribution and utilization of gas in Europe. Regarding the gas delivered to the consumers, it must meet the agreed quality standards to prevent deviations.

Biomethane is a key renewable energy source.  Hydrogen can also be considered as renewable gas if it is produced by renewable energy sources and can be further used to produce synthetic natural gas.  These gases are important for decarbonization and contribute to the environmental efforts of the gas industry.  Regarding decarbonization, C02 capture and transmission has also come to the forefront and requires a special focus on quality standards and measurement.

MARCOGAZ works on operational solutions to monitor the gas quality. Once the gas arrives at the European market, either by transmission pipelines or LNG cargoes, its quality must be analyzed and adapted to comply with European standards or National specifications.

Besides quality parameters, precise measurement of the amount of gas entering the grids is an important aspect for the gas industry.  Gas meters, placed at network entry and exit points, measure the volume or mass of gas flowing through pipelines, ensuring accurate billing to the end customers as outlined in the Measurement Instruments Directive (2014/32/EU).

While meters quantify gas volume, customers pay for the energy consumed.  Therefore, conversion devices to adjust for temperature, pressure, and heating value, are required. The injection of new gases like biomethane or hydrogen complicates this conversion process due to varying calorific values.  Accurate gas measurement is essential for end-users, industry, and the economy, fostering a fairer market with increased competition. To improve consumption efficiency through smart gas grids, MARCOGAZ evaluates the performance and impact of smart meters for potential deployment in different locations in Europe.  Overall, MARCOGAZ collects and shares knowledge and practices, and exchanges information on regulations related to gas quality and metering and delivers technical documents and position papers to authorities and stakeholders.