OIES – UK Gas: Demand Volatility Requires Supply Flexibility

The main theme of the report concerns the volatility of gas demand in the UK and the need for supply flexibility to meet this demand.

Key findings include: Natural gas is an important element of the UK's energy supply. The main sectors of gas consumption are industry, local distribution zones (residential, commercial, and service sectors), and power generation. The volatility of daily gas demand fluctuations has become more noticeable, mainly due to changes in the structure of power generation. Gas-fired power plants play a key role in balancing fluctuations in electricity demand and renewable energy production (wind and solar). The need for gas supply flexibility is particularly relevant during periods of sharp increases in gas demand for power generation and heating in cold weather.