INGAA White Paper on Interstate Pipeline Energy Efficiency Stresses Hybrid Nature of National Grid, Frequent Tradeoff Between Economic and Transportation Efficiency; Limited Opportunity for Near-Term Gains

摘要

The Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA) on 10/21/10 released a white paper, Interstate Natural Gas Pipeline Efficiency, on challenges to optimizing the energy efficiency of gas pipeline transportation. The paper documents advances in pipeline, engine, and compressor technology that have produced continuous efficiency gains since the advent of long-mileage pipelines in the 1920s. The authors review regulatory and environmental policies as well as competitive market pressures that affect a pipeline's ability to maximize efficiency. They also examine the calculus in pipeline company decisionmaking about efficiency investments.