Our innovation, research and development leadership and partnerships are instrumental in helping us drive advancements that can bolster our long-term objective of advancing decarbonization.
The path to decarbonization requires research, development and innovation in the energy sector. The Fueling the Future of Innovation Council, a cross-functional initiative at the Southern Company Gas level, engages employees in training, ideation and other improvement challenges to creatively drive sustainability and solve business problems. In addition to our company-led efforts, we also engage in meaningful partnerships to advance clean energy and climate technology.
3 Key Takeaways
We are working with a commercial customer to pilot a gas heat pump, an energy-efficient heating and cooling product that helps reduce GHG emissions from commercial and residential buildings.
By using cross compression during maintenance procedures, we capture and re-route natural gas that would otherwise be vented, reducing emissions and optimizing resource utilization.
We employ state-of-the-art technologies to proactively detect leaks quickly and repair them quickly.
Investing in Technology with Cross Compression
Advancing decarbonization requires looking at every step of our processes. Atlanta Gas Light uses cross compression technology to reduce emissions and recapture natural gas for reuse during regular maintenance procedures. This equipment enables us to capture gas and liquids that would normally be vented or escape during repairs. We then compress and transfer the gas into a nearby operational piping system or containment.
Cross compression technology helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and maximizes resource efficiency. It also provides a safe, reliable, and scalable alternative to natural gas venting and natural gas liquid flaring.
Leak Detection and Repair
Our proactive approach to leak detection employs advanced technologies such as stationary monitors and artificial intelligence-enabled cloud computing platforms. Our parent company, Southern Company Gas, is a sponsor of GTI Energy’s Veritas initiative designed to inform the efforts necessary to accelerate the actions that reduce methane leaks from natural gas systems. We voluntarily address our non-hazardous Grade 3 leaks proactively because of their environmental impact. Leak detection and repairs are critical to reducing emissions and keeping our communities and team members safe.
Deploying Natural Gas Heat Pumps
Gas heat pumps are energy-efficient heating and cooling products that help reduce GHG emissions from commercial and residential buildings. These reliable units are easy to maintain and perform well in cold climates. We are currently working with a commercial customer to install a gas heat pump as a pilot.
Our parent company, Southern Company Gas, is also partnering to advance heat pump technology. They are a founding member of Energy Impact Partners, helping to finance Stone Mountain Technologies, Inc. to commercialize a new generation of highly energy-efficient heating products. Southern Company Gas is also a part of the North American Gas Heat Pump Collaborative, which is working to accelerate the adoption of technologies that support decarbonization in North America.
