Demand response strategies for the balancing of natural gas systems: Application to a local network located in The Marches (Italy)

During the last several decades, demand response programs have played a crucial role in the management of the electrical energy system worldwide. Thus, demand response programs, offered by either system operators or utilities, have contributed to solve different matters that appear in the habitual operation of the power grid. Currently, there are no successful experiences of demand response applications in the natural gas system. However, it seems natural that, in line with the current trends in the energy sector, demand response concepts will be eventually essential for the better and more efficient operation of natural gas systems. The research here presented leads with the analysis of demand response as a strategic tool for the gas system operator to manage better the natural gas network. Thus, this research demonstrates as demand response could represent a great opportunity for consumers to play an active role in the operation of the natural gas grid. In this paper, the ability of consumers to participate in the balancing of natural gas in the transmission network is assessed and the utilization of demand response resources to help reducing the imbalances in the natural gas system is demonstrated. •Demand Response (DR) is evaluated for the balancing of natural gas systems.•The potential of DR in the natural gas sector is evaluated in a real case in Italy.•DR is profitable for both consumers and the gas system operator.•DR may reduce operation costs while favoring the involvement of consumers.•DR provides the natural gas system with in a more dynamic energy infrastructure.