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Debate on the future of the gas grid

Once generated, both gas and electricity are transported through transmission and distribution networks. The gas ‘grid’ is the network across which this transport happens, and it is comprised of a network of gas pipelines across Great Britain. Transmission networks carry gas at high pressures and speeds across the country, while distribution networks carry gas at lower pressures and speeds to individual households. More information about the gas grid is set out in section 1.3 of the Library research briefing Introduction to the domestic energy market.

Accessing the mains gas grid is the most common way to heat a home: in the 2021 census, most households in the UK (73%) said that mains gas was their only central heating source.

In 2024, gas demand in the UK was 687 terawatt hours (TWh). Of this, 37% was domestic, 26% was for electricity generation and 19% was for industry.

Gas demand in 2024 was 37% lower than demand in 2010, and the lowest level since the early 90s. This was driven by lower demand across various sectors, in particular gas used in homes (due to energy efficiency and higher prices leading to lower usage) and gas used for electricity generation (due to lower overall demand and increased usage of renewables).

In 2024, 30% of electricity was generated from gas, 51% was from renewable sources (such as solar power and wind power), and 14% was from nuclear energy.

The energy trilemma and the gas grid

The energy trilemma (the need to balance access to affordable energy with both security and sustainability) poses challenges for long-term reliance on gas for domestic energy. Rising energy prices from gas, coupled with the decision to shift away from the Russian market, mean that access to gas is no longer as affordable nor as secure as it previously was. Additionally, as gas is a fossil fuel, contributing to global warming and climate change, it is not as sustainable as renewable alternatives.

The future of the gas grid

Following the 2024 general election, the government announced Great British Energy (July 2024) and its plans for a ‘new era of clean electricity’ (December 2024). The Clean Power Action Plan (updated April 2025) sets out the government’s ambitions to reach a clean power system by 2030.

This debate pack sets out further information about the gas gridand its future, including government plans and stakeholder commentary.