Innovative gas technology: GasNet to cut emissions with its compressor in Czechia

The Czech Republic’s largest gas distributor, GasNet, is reducing its emissions footprint. This includes curbing methane emissions, as methane is the main component of natural gas. GasNet’s engineers will be helped by its own mobile gas transfer compressor, which is entering full operation after successful tests.

„Thanks to the compressor, we will reduce gas losses during pipeline repairs, maintenance and reconstruction by pumping gas from the isolated section of the pipeline back into the distribution system,“ explains GasNet’s Chief Operating Officer Petr Koutný.

A compressor for transferring gas is no handheld pump. It is a sophisticated system equipped with a modern control unit, including a meter for the volume of gas transferred. The compressor is equipped with technology that ensures safe and reliable operation.

A Tatra truck that can get anywhere

„The compressor is completely self-contained. It can drive itself to wherever we need it. The container housing the compressor is mounted on the chassis of a Tatra 8x8 truck. So we will have no problem getting it to even the most inaccessible parts of our distribution network,“ says Special Works Director Petr Zajíček. GasNet’s distribution area covers the entire Czech Republic except Prague and South Bohemia. In total, it comprises 65 000 kilometres of gas pipelines.

The compressor is powered by an electric motor paired with a diesel generator. The equipment therefore also includes a trailer carrying the power source. The compressor itself underwent factory testing at the supplier’s premises at the end of May. The supplier is Italy’s SAFE, which tested the compressor at its manufacturing plant near Bologna. The test was a success, so in the summer GasNet’s engineers tested the new compressor directly on a high-pressure distribution pipeline.

The compressor passes a demanding operational test

GasNet successfully tested its new gas transfer compressor on a 6 km section of DN500 high-pressure pipeline.

„Between the Cerekvice and Litomyšl line valves, we pumped out 27 000 m³ of gas in just under 16 hours without any problems. In total, we transferred almost 60 000 m³ over three days,“ says Petr Zajíček.

GasNet’s engineers tested the compressor according to operating procedures agreed and set in advance. Throughout the test, the compressor was connected to the Litomyšl line valve via a connecting pipe with a separate separator. Training for the compressor’s future operators also took place during the test. The compressor will therefore soon enter regular service with GasNet’s Special Works division.

GasNet effectively curbs emissions

Since 2021, GasNet has been working to properly monitor, measure and reduce operational losses and emissions. As part of the Green GasNet project, it is introducing procedures and technologies to reduce these losses and emissions. Over the past ten years, the distributor has cut its own operational losses by 56%.

The gas transfer compressor, used on construction sites and during emergency response operations, is one such innovative technology for reducing gas losses.

Green gas sector

GasNet continues to work intensively to reduce its emissions footprint. Its goal is to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. The Czech Republic’s largest gas distributor has therefore come up with its own Net Zero strategy (a pathway to carbon neutrality). The Green GasNet programme is one of the initiatives helping to deliver it.

Thanks to its properties, gas is an irreplaceable energy carrier. Alongside efforts to curb operational emissions, GasNet is preparing its distribution network and the whole Czech Republic for the arrival of zero-emission gases such as biomethane and, in particular, hydrogen. Both renewable gases embody the green future of the gas sector, which is essential to decarbonising the Czech economy. GasNet’s pipelines can already handle up to a 20% blend of hydrogen with natural gas.