With traditional gas pipeline networks, distribution system operators (DSOs) typically depended on centralized supply points to produce large amounts of gas for distribution to end users.

Pressure management for these types of systems was typically straightforward, with pressure at the supply points augmented by compressor stations as required.

Today, many gas networks are being redesigned to accept biomethane gas injections from producers across the network, along with other sources of supply. Biomethane injection reduces greenhouse gas emissions but complicates pressure management. These injections must also be traced and measured so carbon and other credits can be issued accordingly.

My article in the June 2026 issue of World Pipelines, titled “Pipelines under pressure,” explains how smart technology and integrated injection stations address these challenges to improve profitability and sustainability.

Smart process control

DSOs can use smart technologies to measure and control process parameters at injection points, and throughout the distribution network. Important parameters include pressure, temperature, and the ratio of biomethane in the gas stream.

Smart technology improves:

• grid balancing in response to seasonal and short-term demand fluctuations.
• accuracy of custody transfer invoicing.
• control of odorant injection systems.

Each pressure reducing and metering station requires a complete automation system with measurement instrumentation, final control elements, a local operator interface—and communication equipment for integration with the larger digital network.

Integrated solutions

Many DSOs are deploying integrated biomethane injection stations to meet their decarbonization goals. These stations combine automation, pressure control, gas analysis, and custody transfer metering to create a unified solution.

In addition to possessing the required licenses and certifications, qualified solution providers should have a thorough understanding of natural gas systems and equipment, and a proven record of successful installations. The best partners supply most equipment directly, resulting in better interoperability, performance, and customer support.

In one case, a large wine maker in Italy installed anaerobic digesters to convert their agricultural and liquid waste streams into biomethane.

The wine maker had developed the digester process, but they needed a fully integrated solution to analyse the gas product parameters, communicate with the upstream processing system as required to meet specifications, and safely inject the biomethane into the nearby natural gas pipeline system.

The company engaged Emerson to design, install, and commission the skid-mounted solution on a compressed time schedule, quickly bringing the biogas process into profitable production. The solution can also redirect biomethane to a local microliquefaction system that produces bio-LNG fuel, and it even facilitates bidirectional flow to extract gas from the transmission pipeline when it’s more profitable to produce fuel.

For many biomethane producers, partnering with a trusted solution provider is the most straightforward path to implementing a successful injection system. These systems provide income for the producer, while supporting decarbonization and sustainability efforts for producers, DSOs, and end users.