Data & insights
Accelerating the transition
Gas and related infrastructure are indispensable in meeting European climate ambitions because of their storage, transport and backup potential. Achieving decarbonisation is going to require profound changes across all energy vectors and end-use sectors. The fastest, most cost-effective, way to decarbonise the gas sector is to incorporate renewable and low-carbon gases, such as biomethane and hydrogen, into the established system. The existing market and infrastructure must adapt to climate realities and policies but offers a unique opportunity for sustainable growth.
Let's Talk DSOs
Zoltan Elek, Landwärme CEO at Eurogas Annual Conference
Renewable and low-carbon gases
The markets for renewable and low-carbon gases, such as biomethane and hydrogen, are still in the early stages of development. The pace of this development is not fast enough, but the cost of producing these gases will decrease with economies of scale and, in the coming years, more and more end users will choose biomethane and hydrogen. Blending will help us build the customer base to get there. Blending hydrogen and biomethane with methane in the existing gas infrastructure does not just serve as an important market development tool, but delivers immediate emissions reductions, decarbonising the grid and its end users sooner than waiting on dedicated infrastructure would. Most gas distribution networks are ready to handle blends and even gases that are 100% renewable and low-carbon.
The missing link to the EU Hydrogen Market
Let's Talk Biomethane
Tackling value chain methane
Delivering a fully decarbonised gas sector before 2050 means urgent action is needed on methane emissions. We cannot manage what we cannot measure, so Eurogas is calling for improved practices spanning the length of the value chain. Much of this can be achieved through harmonisation, but some degree of flexibility is also needed depending on local conditions, such as topography or the type and age of the grid. Digital solutions to track and report value chain methane emissions are also helping. These solutions will support the decarbonisation of networks, while creating quality jobs – part of Europe’s twin green and digital transitions.
Let's Talk Gas Certification with Project Canary
Let's Talk Methane Emissions with Neptune Energy
A Just Transition
Coal and oil phaseout will lead to job losses across Europe and globally. At the same time, there is huge job potential in decarbonising energy systems. From its position of leadership, Europe can become an exporter of many of the technologies that are needed for the transition. With quick action, we can leverage this potential and create high-quality jobs manufacturing decarbonising gas technologies. Eurogas works with the trade union associations EPSU and IndustriAll Europe to manage the changes ahead. Our recent study looked at the reskilling and upskilling needs of the gas sector and provides insight into related barriers across Europe’s regions. We now want to move to the next stage and proceed to an EU Framework Agreement for a Just Transition.
