Chair or Research Initiative

Research initiative on a gas distribution system operator's network: cost sharing and insurance value

This initiative aims to advance research on gas network pricing issues and the challenges related to the network’s long-term sustainability in the context of the energy transition.

Partner since 2019

TSE and GRDF have been collaborating since 2019 to conduct economic research on strategic issues related to the gas distribution network. Renewed in 2025, this partnership aims to address the main challenges in this field, with a particular focus on cost allocation in distribution networks and the design of optimal tariff structures.

Activities

The research initiative, combines several types of activities:

Production of research on identified issues,
Meetings with researchers to support internal discussions.

The research projects supported under this framework are part of a long-term strategy. Regular interactions take place between TSE researchers and GRDF teams. The initiative benefits from visibility through TSE’s various communication channels.

      Priority research areas

  Cost sharing and tariff construction
Insurance value of the distribution network

The teams at GRDF and TSE are taking a very constructive and productive approach. [...]. There is little academic research on cost allocation in this sector, and there are no ready-made solutions to these issues. It was essential for GRDF to secure solid, long-term economic expertise.

Françoise PENAUD, former Head of Economic Affairs and Regulation, GRDF
Interview

News

TSE research can help to fuel a greener future

France’s leading natural gas distribution operator (GRDF) has been supporting research at TSE for more than four years. TSE researchers have been working in close connection with GRDF teams to address key…

Published on 15 September 2023

Read

About GRDF

GRDF is the leading gas distribution network operator in France and operates Europe’s largest gas network, serving nearly 11 million customers in more than 9,500 municipalities.

As a major player in the energy transition, GRDF is committed to making energy increasingly local, renewable, and carbon-free. Through its decarbonization strategy, aligned with the goals of the Paris Agreement, GRDF aims to actively contribute to the fight against climate change by promoting the emergence of a more sustainable energy model and reducing the environmental impact of its own operations.

Learn more about our partner