REN Portgás upgraded to Synergi Gas Automated Model Builder to prepare for the new energy mix as Portugal transitions to a more sustainable future. The powerful tool from DNV allows Ren Portgás to build gas network models quickly and accurately, giving them the flexibility they need to adapt to the changing energy landscape.
As Portugal charts its path towards decarbonisation, operators like REN Portgás have become instrumental in accelerating this transition. Recognising that the key to decarbonising at scale is proving safety, ensuring energy security, and optimising gas networks efficiently, REN Portgás upgraded to Synergi Gas Automated Model Builder (AMB).
The Engineering and Development Department at REN Portgás, one of Portugal's leading natural gas distributors, has been a long-time user of Synergi Gas. They have relied on the software solution for long-term network planning, network assessments, operational efficiency, and budget planning & reporting. As Glória Gonçalves, EngineerGrid Architect at REN Portgás, summarises, "Synergi Gas is intuitive and easy to learn and use. Over the years, we have used Synergi Gas to simulate and understand how our network will react in different scenarios helping us make critical decisions with certainty."
However, manual network model-building was time and labour-intensive, and in 2021 Ren Portgás set out to find a solution. Enter Synergi Gas Automated Model Builder, DNV's solution that leverages digitalisation and automation to improve network modelling efficiency. The web-based application works with available GIS and system data to build gas network models automatically. Now, with Synergi Gas Automated Model Builder, engineers at REN Portgás can access accurate, validated models based on near-real-time data, providing better support for critical decisions.
The automated model-building process also saves time and reduces the risk of model errors and data inconsistencies. "With Synergi Gas Automated Model Builder, we can now build gas network models in a fraction of the time it used to take us. What would earlier take us three weeks and a lot of manual iterations, we now achieve in a matter of two to five days. We simply input what we want to build and click a button, and the program delivers the model! And, because the process is automated, we have much greater confidence in the accuracy of the models," reports Gonçalves, a key user of Synergi Gas Automated Model Builder for the innovation of systems in engineering projects. REN Portgás is now looking to use the automated network models for daily maintenance monitoring of their medium and low-pressure distribution network.
Modelling scenarios for the energy transition
"Since we are preparing for a future transition that is still in the early stages, the ability to model major scenarios for the energy transition quickly and accurately is essential," says Gloria Gonçalves, whose key responsibilities include planning for the mixing of gases. "Currently, we are preparing the software, analysing the data, and putting in place all the procedures and technical specifications, so we can confidently report to the government that we have the capability to transport hydrogen. We have the knowledge and technical readiness, and if the producer wants to connect to the network, we can do so safely."
The energy conversation in Portugal picked up in 2020, and the government and network operators are preparing to transport hydrogen and biomethane blends over the next few years. Gloria predicts that they will start connecting to hydrogen in 2025.
REN Portgás' network models also provide relevant input about supply and consumption to the government as Portugal formulates directives and plans to introduce hydrogen in the distribution network.
Increased accuracy, faster
"We are very impressed with the AMB platform itself, and the team at DNV has gone the extra mile to ensure that the implementation was a success," relates Gonçalves. She was happy with the timely deliveries and collaborative working style, but what delighted her was the personal connection. "The team was very approachable. We never had to raise tickets or wait our turn for a response," she adds.
When asked what impressed her the most about Automated Model Builder, Gonçalves picks intuitiveness. "It's a good visualisation tool. It draws relevant insights, checks data errors, and identifies what should be corrected or disabled to build an accurate model," she elaborates. Without Synergi Gas Automated Model Builder, incoming GIS data required significant manual checking, as incorrect information based on human error could give a false view of the assets. For example, now the software detects valves incorrectly labelled or pipeline extensions mistakenly updated in the system as open.
Investing in Synergi Gas Automated Model Builder was the first step towards Gas Quality Tracking for REN Portgás. With the correct database and robust network models from AMB, REN Portgás aims to leverage Gas Quality Tracking to take the onus of the monitoring and control of gas quality across their distribution network.
As Portgás continues to grow its network with new supply points and customers, Synergi Gas and Automated Model Builder will remain essential tools for ensuring the network runs smoothly and efficiently.
ABOUT REN PORTÁS
REN Portgás distributes natural gas in 29 municipalities in the districts of Porto Braga and Viana do Castelo on the north coast of Portugal. The company has been wholly owned by Portugal's electricity and gas transmission system operator, Redes Energéticas Nacionais, since 2017. REN Portgás has the country's largest natural gas distribution network, with over 5,000 kilometres serving 400,000 customers. Since 2018, the company has connected an average of 12,000 customers per year to its network. REN Portgás is the first Portuguese natural gas distributor to receive certification in research, development, and innovation and has official recognition in the areas of quality, environment, safety and business continuity. The company has entered partnerships with universities, companies, and institutions in projects to decarbonise and digitise the distribution network, including defining requirements and specifications for a future hydrogen infrastructure.
PROFILE
- Customer name: REN Portgás
- Web address: https://www.portgas.pt/
- Market: Natural gas distribution network
- Product: Synergi Gas Automated Model Builder
BRIEF ACCOUNT
Why REN Portgás chose Synergi Gas Automated Model Builder:
- REN Portgás needed accurate, validated models with less manual checking
- Synergi Gas Automated Model Builder is intuitive and easy to learn
- As long-term customers of Synergi Gas, they rely on DNV as a trusted partner with extensive domain knowledge.
What REN Portgás gained:
- Significant time and cost saved with automated model building and near real-time updates
- Decision support for key projects, including mixing of renewable gasses
- Intuitive software that requires minimal training