The Gas Distribution Network: a key component of the Energy Transition

GRDF operates and maintains Europe’s largest Gas Distribution Network, with 209,000 km of Gas Pipes. GRDF’s mission is to ensure safe Gas Transportation to its 10.7 million customers, regardless of their Gas Suppliers. GRDF operates the network on behalf of local authorities, which own this industrial infrastructure. French Gas Networks already carry 5% Biomethane. The multi-year energy policy sets a target of 44 TWh/year of Biomethane injected into the network by 2030.

Gas infrastructure, essential to the balance and resilience of the French energy system

One-third of the gas consumed in France is stored during the summer for use in the winter. Gas is used for the following purposes:

• heating,
• public services,
• industry,
• mobility.

A Safe and Efficient Network

Safety is GRDF’s top priority. It is based on three pillars:

1. the Gas Safety Emergency (USG) service, a free service available 24 hours a day, which you should call immediately if you smell gas or detect a Gas Leak,
2. network monitoring is carried out through systematic leak detection, either on foot or using network patrol vehicles,
3. partnerships with fire departments, notably the National Federation of Firefighters of France, and the support of 153 volunteer firefighters within GRDF.

The advent of Green Gases is accompanied by dynamic Network Operations

With the growth of Green Gases such as Biomethane, GRDF is transitioning from a centralized network to one with numerous injection points. This makes the network more flexible and resilient. Thanks to smart sensors, simulation tools, forecasting models, and remote control, it is now possible to continuously adjust the balance between production and consumption. This also makes it possible to better utilize local and renewable resources.

Bio-based polyethylene: a step forward in Decarbonization of the network

While most gas networks today are made of fossil-based polyethylene, GRDF aims to reduce the Carbon Footprint of the network it operates, notably through the use of bio-based polyethylene. This material is derived from wood processing residues, primarily from European paper mills. These plant-based waste materials are converted into bio-naphtha and then into bio-ethylene. Various processing steps are required to produce the pipes.

Piping, an innovative and promising technique

Piping is a sustainable solution that protects networks from damage caused by soil elements and earthworks processes. This innovative technique involves wrapping the pipes in a highly resistant geotextile sleeve, providing effective protection against rocks and other obstacles present in the soil. Pipe wrapping offers several advantages:

• time savings through faster installation that requires no specific soil preparation,
• a reduction in backfill materials such as sand,
• a reduced environmental impact due to less transportation required for delivering and removing sand and debris, as excavated soil is reused.

Since 2023, carbon emissions from construction sites have already decreased by 17% thanks to the use of low-carbon materials and fuels, as well as innovative construction methods (stripping, optimization of excavations, reuse of excavated material, etc.). A carbon comparison tool now makes it possible to select the technical options with the lowest emissions. By 2030, GRDF’s goal is to double the number of construction sites achieving at least a 20% reduction in emissions compared to 2023.

A Connected Network

With more than 11 million Smart Gas Meters installed, the Gas Network has fully entered the digital age: consumption data is automatically collected, securely transmitted, and made available for more precise monitoring. This modernization enables customers to better manage their energy use, provides local authorities with reliable data to guide their actions, and gives GRDF the means to ensure more responsive and efficient network management.