The energy transition is also taking shape digitally: Gasunie launches an expansion of its control system
News article
For years, Gasunie has been building the energy infrastructure of the future: kilometers of pipelines underground, new networks for hydrogen, heat and CO2 storage. Now that physical infrastructure is also getting a solid foundation above ground. With an updated digital control system, Gasunie can operate the increasingly complex energy system safely and cohesively.
A diverse energy mix calls for an adapted control system
In the future, the energy supply will look different from today. With the development of hydrogen, green gas, heat, CO2 storage and energy from sun and wind, the number of energy carriers in the mix will increase significantly. Jeroen Zanting, Business Line Director Methane Transport: ‘With the launch of the new system, we are truly taking the step to control not only natural gas and green gas, but also hydrogen, CO2 and heat. In this way, Gasunie connects existing energy with new energy.’
Dispatchers ready for an increasingly complex energy system
Gasunie has deliberately chosen one central control system instead of multiple control rooms. This not only makes the energy system more transparent and affordable, but also increases robustness and flexibility. While new infrastructure is being realized, the dispatchers who manage energy transport with the updated system are ready to bring it into operation safely. Joris Bongenaar, Manager Gas Transport: ‘This development really demands a lot from our people, but our dispatchers and IT teams show that they have mastered the current system and are ready for an energy supply that is becoming increasingly complex.’
Collaboration delivers a first in energy control
The development of the new system is the result of a multi-year program of design, development and testing. In this, Gasunie worked closely with software supplier Schneider Electric. Dragoljub Damljanović, Digital Grid Sales VP at Schneider Electric: ‘This is the first control system in the world that can support simultaneous management of multi-energy transport within a single integrated environment, seamlessly connecting real‑time operations and simulations.’
