Optimal cooperative model for the security of gas supply on European gas networks

Natural gas infrastructures play a key role in the transition towards the new energy model, with a high share of renewable energies, both ensuring the firm capacity of electric power systems and integrating all energy vectors. The European Union (EU) strongly depends on external natural gas suppliers and is thus particularly vulnerable. In the event of supply problems due to natural phenomena, technical failures or other threats, cooperation between EU countries would be essential to best solve a supply crisis. This study proposes an EU cooperative model to meet the gas demand over a fourteen-day crisis, using a mathematical optimisation approach for resources and infrastructure. The model considers the dynamic management of underground gas storage facilities, limiting daily withdrawal based on the amount of working gas available in each storage facility. The ability of the model to make quick decisions is illustrated in six gas-demand case studies of the European cold wave in January 2017 and hypothetical supply disruptions.

Automated summary

Natural gas infrastructures play a crucial role in the transition to a new energy model with a high renewable energy share. The EU's heavy reliance on external natural gas suppliers makes it particularly vulnerable, highlighting the importance of cooperation among EU countries in addressing supply crises.