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NSAI is seeking new members to join its Gas Technical Standards Committee (GTSC). It follows a decision to extend the scope of its sub-committees in response to increased activity in the areas of renewable gas and hydrogen both within the gas industry and the European and International standardisation work programme. This will further support the actions set out in the Government’s Climate Action Plan 2019, which relate directly to the gas sector.

Actions in the plan, include  moving towards low carbon heating by injecting biomethane into the existing gas network. It also signals a move away from diesel fuelled trucks and buses to transport that is powered using compressed natural gas and hydrogen.

Experts in the areas of renewable gas as well as hydrogen and LNG will be needed to advise the NSAI on what standards need to be adopted and developed to help Ireland move towards a low carbon economy.

The GTSC 2018 Activity Report was launched today by Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment Mr Sean Canney TD.

The report describes how 2018 was a busy year for all the GTSC committees with 37 national meetings held, over 40 Irish, European and International standards reviewed, as well as the drafting of 3 national standards. A major milestone achieved in 2018 was the public enquiry of I.S. 820, Non-domestic gas installations, which was then published earlier this year.

"All sectors of Irish society have a role in meeting these challenges [climate change] and the gas industry is no exception. The development of gas standards at both an Irish and European level will continue to be a critical enabler to meet challenges.

Liam Nolan Head of Technical Competency & Standards at Gas Networks Ireland

“Significant efforts are already underway to transition to a low carbon economy. This will see entire sectors of the economy undergo radical changes and create new types of enterprises and jobs.

Geraldine Larkin NSAI Chief Executive

BACKGROUND:

The GTSC was set up with the objective of advising the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) on what Irish standards and Codes of Practice are necessary for products and processes used in the gas industry, with a particular regard to safety. The GTSC also supports the development of European and International gas related standards. It is comprised of a wide range of stakeholders including the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, The Department of Business Enterprise and Innovation, Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, Health & Safety Authority, Commission for Regulation of Utilities, Gas Networks Ireland, Irish Liquid Petroleum Gas Association (ILPGA)and Register of Gas Installers of Ireland (RGII).

The standards cover all aspects of the supply and usage of both natural gas and liquid petroleum gas (LPG). In all, there are 6 Technical Committees (TCs) and a Central Committee, which specifically cover the areas of:

  • distribution of gas through urban networks and services to installations in all kinds of buildings;
  • Gas appliances of all types;
  • transmission of gas pipelines from the onshore terminal to the urban areas;
  • use of gas in vehicles;
  • Storage of LPG cylinders and bulk tanks; and
  • LPG equipment and accessories

Alice Hanly, NSAI Senior Standards Officer, is the key contact for the GTSC.

For more information on the GTSC Committee click here 

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