For Naturgy, contributing to minimize the environmental impact of its downstream operations is vital. For this reason, for the first time in Mexico, the company has relocated 382 meters of infrastructure in the Valley of Mexico, with a ZERO emissions to the atmosphere strategy, accompanied by rigorous and strict safety protocols that have guaranteed the integrity of users, the environment and assets.
In order to carry out this ambitious project was necessary, not only the use of cutting-edge technology The project also required an extensive logistical and security deployment during the execution of the works in such a complex city as the Mexico City The area is served by a wide range of utilities, and to avoid damaging or interfering with them, there were stretches of land where excavated to a depth of five meters The challenge of not interrupting the service at any time, since it is vital for the industries, businesses and domestic customers located in the area where this maneuver was carried out, was added to the challenge of the installation.
For companies in the energy sector, each emission of Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emitted counts and matters a lot, which is why one of the major objectives that the energy industry has set itself is to achieve neutrality of emissions of particles that cause climate change. In the case of the Naturgy Group, for example, it is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
Naturgy, the Spanish energy group that has been leading the natural gas distribution market in Mexico for more than 25 years, will implement a series of projects to outline a CO2 neutral operation in the 24 countries where it operates.
Alejandro Peón, CEO of Naturgy Mexico, reflects on this imperative need: “One of Naturgy’s essential components is its innovative spirit rooted in the Group’s DNA. The company has constantly reinvented itself during its 180-year history, and at this turning point represented by the climate emergency, we are providing concrete answers, both with the development of our infrastructure and with new technology applicable to our assets, as in the case of this Cross Compression or RECAP project“.
The project and its complexity
Modifying any section of a route in the distribution network is perhaps one of the most challenging activities that an energy company can face, especially if we add the complexities already mentioned: its location within an industrial zone of Mexico City, maintaining continuity of supply, compliance with international safety standards and care for the environment, was no easy task.
After months of planning, Naturgy solved this need by using for the first time in the Latin American countries where the Group is present, a technique called “RECAP“, with which a new section of pipeline is laid to divert part of the pipeline route, minimizing the emission of natural gas into the atmosphere. To this end, the new section connects two points, isolating the part of the pipeline that would remain inert. Francisco Ripoll, Naturgy’s Director of Operations in Mexico, adds: “When this happens, there is gas that is contained in the section of the pipeline that is taken out of operation. In this type of project, the common practice is to “release” the gas by “venting” (escaping to the atmosphere). This practice guarantees that the pipeline that is taken out of service is innocuous and, therefore, safe. Unfortunately, this practice generates methane emissions into the atmosphere. At Naturgy, in line with our environmental commitments, we designed this project using RECAP technology.
This technology allows the natural gas extracted from the pipeline to be disabled to be compressed at least 1 kilo or bar above the operating section pressure, which allows it to be re-injected into the new pipeline route. With the successful implementation of this project, Naturgy avoided the release of just over 1 ton of methane and 30 tCO2e.
Jaqueline Luna, Operations Manager for Naturgy comments: “This has been a truly unique project for several reasons. First and foremost, we had to completely guarantee the safety of the area during the diversion of a 24-inch diameter pipeline while maintaining uninterrupted supply to homes, businesses and industry during the changeover, working only at night on the nearly 400 linear meters, all without letting any methane particles escape during implementation.
Naturgy sets a new standard for the execution of this type of project in the natural gas distribution industry in Mexico, especially when the network coexists with a high population and industrial density. This project demonstrates that the practice of venting natural gas can be avoided, while ensuring safety for both communities and the environment, avoiding damage to the atmosphere and interruptions in supply.
“During the project we were in permanent coordination and dialogue with neighbors, authorities and all participants. We are grateful for their trust, as we are committed not only to the quality of the service we provide, but also to the result of this project. Today we have successfully relocated this very important section of the pipeline,” explains Carlos Capponeto, Naturgy’s Distribution System Manager in Mexico.
Finally, Alejandro Peón, reiterates the importance of this type of maneuvers: “Ensuring that our operation is carried out with the highest standards contributes to a greater goal, which is to support Mexico’s energy transition through the use of natural gas. We are convinced that the use of natural gas is central to this transition. That is why we are doing our utmost to ensure that more industries, businesses, and homes take advantage of this resource, not only to reduce their CO2 emissions, but also to take advantage of a safe and very affordable energy source.
It is worth mentioning that the climate change chapter of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) reports that the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere increased by 50% since the Industrial Revolution (1750) driven by human activity. Faced with the urgent prospect of reducing CO2 emissions, every effort in the downstream energy industry counts.
This article was developed by Naturgy specialists and published as part of the fourth edition of the Inspenet Brief magazine December 2024, dedicated to technical content in the energy and industrial sector.