Gas distribution
Gas distribution
nortegas is Spain’s second largest natural gas operator. We operate 8,100 kilometres of distribution networks across three autonomous communities (the Basque Country, Asturias and Cantabria) and have 1,016,138 supply points (as of December 2017).
At nortegas, our main line of business involves managing regulated distribution assets (which includes promoting, developing and building new infrastructure) as well as providing operation, maintenance and optimisation services.
One of the main ways in which natural gas is transported (after being compressed) is through gas pipelines. Pumping stations located along the pipeline keep the gas flowing through the pipe. The gas is depressurised before being incorporated into the distribution network so it can be used.
Distribution in satellite plants (LNG and LPG)The least expensive way of transporting gas over long distances is with large tank ships, or carriers, that can safely transport liquefied natural gas (LNG) to any destination in the world. In order to transport the gas, we must first liquefy it at atmospheric pressure and a temperature of -161ºC, shrinking its volume about 600 times.
The gas eventually reaches regasification plants, where it is returned to its original state so it can be used by consumers: the liquefied gas travels through pipes to cryogenic tanks and the LNG undergoes a vaporisation process to increase its temperature. The characteristic unpleasant odour is added so that leaks can be quickly detected, and then the natural gas is sent to the distribution network to be delivered to the end user.
nortegas distributes gas to customers in the regulated market and also supplies piped liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). We distribute liquefied natural gas to some towns and districts through satellite plants located there.
Our business group currently has the following facilities
NORTEGAS GNL installations
| Community | Capacity (m3) | Vaporisation (Nm3/h) | Unloading (m3 (lng)/h) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asturias | |||
| Grado | 120 | 1000 | 20 |
| Colunga | 60 | 500 | 20 |
| Cangas de Narcea | 158 | 2000 | 20 |
| Cantabria | |||
| Corvera de Toranzo | 40 | 500 | 20 |
| Arenas de Iguña | 105 | 1000 | 20 |
| Gibaja | 60 | 1000 | 20 |
| Basque Country | |||
| Laguardia | 60 | 500 | 20 |
| Labastida | 60 | 750 | 20 |
| Elciego | 20 | 500 | 20 |