Glossary

Natural Gas – A primary energy source that is extracted from reservoirs deep in the earth. It consists mostly of Methane (CH4).

Bar – A unit used to measure the pressure that causes the gas to move in the transmission network. It is equivalent to the measure of atmospheric pressure (atm), such that 20 bars= 20 atm.

High/low transmission pressure – A high transmission pressure is pressure greater than 16 BARS, whereas a low transmission pressure is under 16 bars.

Caloric Value – This is a way to define the amount of energy (heat) that can be extracted from 1 kg of an energy source. Thus, the higher the caloric value associated with an energy source, the greater the amount of electricity that can be generated from a kilogram of that source.

MBTU – MBTU means one million BTU. BTU is a unit for measuring energy, based on caloric value. Thus, 1 MBTU can be extracted from approximately 27.8 cubic meters of natural gas. This amount of natural gas is equivalent to 26 liters of diesel fuel, 23.7 kg fuel oil or 20.4 kg of liquid petroleum gas (LPG). The price of natural gas is quoted in MBTU units.

BCM – The conventional unit for measuring the volume of natural gas (Billion Cubic Meters).

Receiving Terminal – A land-based terminal where the natural gas arrives from the suppliers and enters the national transmission network.

PRMS Facility – Pressure Reduction & Metering Station, where the transmission pressure is reduced and the amount of natural gas is measured.

Block Valve Station – A station from which the transmission network is operated and supervised. In case of an emergency, the block valve station is able to block and isolate segments of the network, as the situation requires.

SCADA – Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition is a system that enables remote control of the national transmission network.

DRP – Disaster Recovery Plan. Natural gas constitutes a strategic asset for Israel; therefore, the national transmission network includes a plan for backup and recovery, in case of disaster.

Distribution Network – Pipelines and related facilities used for transporting the gas at low pressures from the transmission network up to and including the gas meter.

Sustainable Development – Development that serves our present needs while taking into account a balanced use of the Earth’s resources, ensuring their ability to regenerate naturally for long-term sustenance.

Safety Distances – There are three safety distance measures used:

  • House Burning Distance (HBD), the safe distance between a house and the energy infrastructure, such as a natural gas pipeline;
  • Safe Escape Distance (SED), which refers to the safety range for population exposed to existing energy structures;
  • Safe Distance (ESD), which refers to a range in which there are no potential ignitable and flammable sources.

Distribution Licensee – A company that has been licensed by the Natural Gas Authority to distribute gas within a predefined area.

Caloric Conversion Rates – Input vs. output rates, used for measuring the heat and energy production from various energy sources.

Pollutants Emission – In the process of burning primary energy sources, various types of pollutants are emitted into the atmosphere, among them heavy hydrocarbon. However, contaminants such as heavy hydrocarbon, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, helium and nitrogen are extracted from the gas before it enters the transmission system. Thus, these gases are not emitted during energy production processes.

Transmission Fee – The fee paid by customers for the service of transmitting the natural gas from the supplier to the consumption site or distribution network. The rate for this charge is determined and regulated by Israel Natural Gas Authority, and based on the Natural Gas Sector Law and two factors, consumption capacity and actual transmission.

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