Natural gas resources in the EU are declining and the public gas networks need to include alternative energy gases, such as biogas, to ensure a reliable and sustainable supply.

To enable gases from non-conventional sources to be used like natural gas, without any modification to existing equipment, the measurement infrastructure needs to be developed in order to characterise these gases.

The current standards of measurement for natural gas will be tested for their suitability at measuring the properties of the alternative gases. Important measurements include gas composition, calorific value (energy content) and humidity, which are all needed to ensure efficient trade, safe use and transportation. Certain known impurities, such as ammonia and siloxanes, also need to be measured and closely monitored as they can cause problems during gas processing and use.

GAS - Characterisation of Energy Gases

The trade of natural gas, between countries not served by pipelines, is made more economically viable by the process of liquefaction, which greatly reduces the volume required for transport. The natural gas is liquefied at the beginning of its journey, loaded onto specially designed cryogenic tankers for transport and then regasified at its destination, where it can be pumped as normal through gas networks.

When Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is traded, measurements are taken of volume, density and calorific value to calculate the amount of energy transferred, but measurement uncertainties are currently too high to guarantee fair trade. This project will test a variety of methods for making these measurements, compare them to one another and suggest improvements.

The project will strengthen the measurement framework for LNG, with an expected halving of measurement uncertainties, and will also disseminate knowledge through training, workshops and contribution to international standards and guidelines.

LNG - Metrology for Liquefied Natural Gas

Solid State Lighting (SSL) uses light emitting diodes (LEDs) to produce light, and is up to ten times more efficient than conventional light bulbs. Its implementation could significantly reduce EU energy demand, as lighting is responsible for 20% of electricity use. However, neither professional users nor the public have embraced SSL technology because current measurement systems provide unreliable performance data and low energy lighting is widely considered to be less effective than traditional light bulbs.

This project will support the implementation of SSL throughout Europe with the validation of new guideline and standards. These will enable benefits to be quantified and clearly communicated, with specific attention paid to measurements of colour rendition and visual comfort, as well as light quality measurements important for applications such as street lighting, where safety is key.

The research aims to help realise the potential of SSL and reverse the negative public perception of low energy lighting.

Lighting - Metrology for Solid State Lighting

Suitable sites for renewable energy generation are often remote, for example solar panels work best in deserts and wind turbines work best offshore or in mountainous regions. The challenge is getting electricity from these remote areas to where it is needed. High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) offers a solution by enabling power transmission along electricity 'super highways', and distributing energy thousands of kilometres away from where it was generated.

HVDC provides low energy losses, enhanced grid stability and the economically viable transmission of electricity, but no metrology infrastructure currently exists to support the technology at the proposed 800 kV working levels. Consequently, HVDC can not be reliably measured for operational or billing purposes, its quality can not be monitored and energy losses can not be determined and reduced.

This project will develop a new measurement framework, new calibration capabilities and equipment such as prototype DC energy meters that will assist the widespread implementation of HVDC transmission.

HVDC - Metrology for High Voltage Direct Current

For biofuels to penetrate a fuel market dominated by petroleum-based products, they need to be able to mix with traditional fuels and form blends that can be used without affecting vehicle engine performance, reliability or safety. More accurate measurements, and a greater understanding of biofuel properties, will allow this and improve public confidence in the low-carbon fuels.

This project will provide validated, reliable and traceable methods to measure the physical and chemical properties of biofuels, particularly those used in the automotive and aviation sectors. These methods will help ensure the sustainable contribution of biofuels to EU energy supply.

The results of the research will also accelerate the expansion of new technologies, such as engines designed to run efficiently on biofuels. Furthermore, the development of tracing methods for biofuels will help prevent economic subsidy fraud, where subsidies for producers are falsely claimed, and improve investor confidence.

Biofuels - Metrology for biofuels