High Levels of Solar Electricity Require More Gas-Supply Flexibility

Most of the discussion of the adoption of high levels of renewable energy in the electricity sector has focused on the adaptations and flexibility of the electricity power system. When these studies are made with assumptions about flexible natural gas generation, there is rarely a mention of the impacts on gas pipeline operations. The gas industry—in particular, the pipeline operators—has an opportunity to adapt to changes in the electric power system by recognizing and meeting the growing need for operational flexibility.