Emerson announced Tuesday that Spain’s national gas pipeline operator, Enagás S.A., has implemented advanced digital management solutions to monitor and optimize its massive natural gas transmission infrastructure.

The collaboration centres on securing the continuity and safety of Spain’s energy supply through the digital transformation of more than 11,000 kilometres (approximately 6,835 miles) of high-pressure pipelines. 

As the primary manager of the country's gas grid, Enagás is utilizing Emerson’s AspenTechnology software to oversee one of Europe’s most critical energy corridors.

To manage the sprawling network, Enagás has deployed the AspenTech OSI monarch SCADA and AspenTech OSI Continua Pipeline Management platforms. These tools allow operators to maintain constant supervision over flow rates and pressure levels.

The software provides the utility with several mission-critical capabilities, including real-time gas tracking for constant monitoring of energy calculations and gas movement. 

Additionally, the pipeline management platforms provide automated detection of overpressure scenarios to mitigate hazards and immediate leak and rupture detection to prevent environmental damage or supply interruptions.

Beyond traditional natural gas, the digital upgrade is designed to handle the "greening" of the grid. 

Emerson’s technology provides the flexibility needed for Enagás to integrate more diverse energy sources, such as biomethane and hydrogen, into the existing pipeline architecture. 

This transition is seen as a vital step toward meeting Spain’s long-term decarbonization goals using a modern technology-based approach. 

“Industry leaders like Enagás recognize the importance of digital technology in achieving more resilient and efficient utility operations,” said Stuart Harris, general manager of digital grid management at Emerson’s Aspen Technology business.

Harris noted that the suite of tools provides Enagás with "full visibility" across its mission-critical systems, ensuring the region’s energy delivery remains compliant and secure as the fuel mix evolves.