How natural gas reaches our homes: from the gas field to your home

Natural gas is part of daily life in millions of homes, providing central heating, domestic hot water, and gas hobs and cookers efficiently and conveniently. Behind this service lies a chain of processes and technologies ensuring gas arrives safely and in good quality conditions from deposits hundreds of metres underground or at sea, right into our homes.

What is natural gas and what is it used for

Natural gas is a mixture of hydrocarbons composed mainly of methane, along with small proportions of other gases. It is valued for its high thermal performance and for emitting fewer particles and less carbon dioxide per unit of energy than other fossil fuels like coal or diesel.

In the home, it is used for central heating, domestic hot water, and cooking, while in the industrial sector, it serves as fuel and raw material for processes requiring heat or electricity. Furthermore, the existing infrastructure makes it easier to introduce renewable gases, such as biomethane.

The journey of natural gas: from the field to your home

Extraction and treatment

The journey begins with geological prospecting and drilling in onshore or offshore gas fields. Once extracted, raw gas contains impurities and associated liquids that must be removed in treatment plants. These centres remove water, sulphur compounds, and other unwanted elements, stabilising the composition to meet the quality and safety specifications required for transport and final use.

Long-distance transport

To cover long distances, high-pressure pipelines transport the gas between countries and regions, with compressor stations maintaining the flow.

When transmission via pipeline is not possible, the gas is liquefied by cooling it to very low temperatures, turning it into liquefied natural gas (LNG). Specialised ships transport this LNG to receiving terminals, where it is stored and regasified.

Regasification and storage

Regasification terminals in coastal areas transform LNG back into a gaseous state using heat exchangers, allowing it to be injected into the transmission network.

Additionally, underground and surface storage facilities act as reserves to cover seasonal demand peaks or contingencies. These capacities increase system security and allow better supply management in the face of market variations.

Distribution to cities and homes

From the transmission network, gas passes into local distribution networks. Distributors handle pressure regulation, monitor quality, and manage the service connections that bring gas into neighbourhoods and buildings.

Urban infrastructure (pipes, valves, and meter boxes) finally connects with individual service connections in each home, where meters record consumption for billing by your chosen supplier.

Use in your home

Inside the home, gas powers central heating boilers, water heaters, hobs, and stoves. Installations must be designed according to current regulations, carried out by authorised installers, and subject to periodic checks.

Proper maintenance and the use of efficient equipment help you make the most of the energy and minimise risks.

How safety is guaranteed in the gas network

Supply security relies on technical regulations, monitored operations, and physical protection systems.

Key infrastructure incorporates detection equipment, remote shut-off valves, continuous monitoring, and anomaly response protocols.

Operators have emergency plans in place and coordinate with authorities.

In the domestic sphere, mandatory inspections and technical certificates for installations and appliances reduce the likelihood of leaks and ensure connections meet safe operating requirements.

Which companies are involved in the supply

The gas value chain brings together several agents: producers and exporters, transmission operators managing pipelines and compressor stations, regasification and storage terminals, local distributors bringing gas to homes, and suppliers who bill you and offer tariffs.

In turn, regulatory bodies set technical and safety requirements, and network managers coordinate operations to guarantee a balance between supply and demand.

Benefits of natural gas in the home

Natural gas provides immediate heat, precise power control, and a continuous supply when installations are correct. Its thermal efficiency translates into relative savings compared to some liquid fuels, and its combustion generates lower particle and ash emissions.

Moreover, existing infrastructure facilitates the gradual incorporation of renewable gases and integration with high-efficiency technologies.

Where does the natural gas we use in Spain come from?

Spain imports most of its gas via pipelines and LNG from various international markets. Combining pipeline and ship supplies allows for diverse origins and mitigates geopolitical risks. Regasification capabilities in Spanish ports are a strategic element for guaranteeing flexibility and access to global supply sources.

Does the gas arriving at home undergo checks?

Yes, gas undergoes continuous quality controls during transmission, and interior installations must be checked according to applicable regulations. Inspections verify pipes, main gas taps, equipment, and detectors, and are essential for maintaining service safety and efficiency.

Can the supply be interrupted?

Although networks are designed for high reliability, supply can be affected by scheduled maintenance cuts, specific faults, or exceptional circumstances. Operators have contingency plans, advance notices for scheduled work, and storage mechanisms to reduce the impact of interruptions.

What should I do if I smell gas?

If you smell gas, ventilate the area immediately by opening doors and windows. Avoid operating electrical switches or using naked flames. Turn off the main gas tap if it is safe to do so and leave the premises. Contact emergency services or your supplier urgently so they can check and safely shut down the installation.

In summary, knowing the journey gas takes to your home helps you appreciate the safety and reliability of the supply. That is why at Endesa we make signing up simple and transparent, with tariffs designed to adapt to your needs and a customer service team that supports you at every step.

Our Conecta Gas Tariff offers you an efficient and safe solution for your home gas supply, with clear conditions and completely digital contract management, all designed so you can enjoy comfort without complications.

If you want to switch supplier, sign up with us for the first time, or simply review your options, check our tariffs and let our team advise you on finding the best option for your home.