Call for action: Urgent need to recognise third country exports of gaseous fuels under the Union Database

Read the full joint statement here.

Call for action: Urgent need to recognise third country exports of gaseous fuels under the Union Database

The co-signatories of this joint statement call for immediate action by the European Commission to ensure the full recognition of imported sustainable biomethane, biomethane-based fuels and other renewable gases and fuels produced in compliance with the Renewable Energy Directive III rules in the Union database (UDB).

1. In light of the planned implementation of the UDB for gaseous fuels, the interpretation of the EC on the inapplicability of the concept of interconnected gas system/single mass balancing unit for third country will result in a significant barrier to imports, negatively affecting trade relations and creating disruptions. In light of the ambitioned date of implementation of the UDB, a viable solution for third-country exports should already be in place. In this regard, the European Commission should make a clearer commitment to this objective.
2. Clear guidance should be established on the process to be followed for all imports from third countries to be recognised under the Union Database, ensuring transparency and accessibility. Strengthened cooperation between the European Commission and third-country administrations is essential to facilitate the necessary agreements that enable imports/exports while ensuring compliance with EU legal requirements and accurate volume accounting.
3. In the short term, an interim solution should be introduced to immediately recognise products that can demonstrate to meet EU sustainability and GHG reduction criteria, while a long-term approach is developed. For example, in cases where electronic validation systems are not yet operational (i.e. in the case of missing/inapplicability of (equivalent) DSO/TSO injection verification in a third country, or alternative platforms such as GO registries), equivalent verification through Voluntary Schemes reviewing and verifying consignments before acceptance in the UDB should be considered.

Read the full joint statement below.