The role of renewable gas in the EU climate and energy strategy 2050
The long-awaited EU climate and energy strategy 2050 was published on 28 November. It acknowledges the role of biogas and biomethane reducing emissions in agriculture, as well as when used for various industries and as an energy source in heat and transport sectors.
The in-depth analysis prepared by the Commission includes 8 scenarios on how the EU can reach its climate commitment. In all scenarios gas has its role to play, in addition to electricity. Sector coupling of gas and electricity, as well as sector integration, will be crucial for the new strategy.
On 3 December, EBA published a joint statement with other 5 EU organisations to welcome the publication of the strategy and comment on the key role of renewable gas for the coming years:
Emissions reductions
Currently gas delivers nearly seven times the quantity of energy traded between EU Member States compared to electricity. The existing gas infrastructure is primarily based on natural gas, which has achieved large carbon dioxide emissions reductions since 1990. However, there is considerable potential to transition to renewable and decarbonised gases.
Sector coupling and integration
A hybrid energy infrastructure and sector coupling, building on the strengths of both the gas and electricity networks, will form the solid backbone of a decarbonised EU energy system. Together or separately, the combined virtues of electricity and renewable gases are essential to achieving long-term climate ambitions effectively and on time.
Security of supply
Supply will be enhanced through the inherent resilience and flexibility of the gas network. Gas grids manage high energy demand fluctuation, making gases inherently flexible and demand-responsive, thus complementing variable renewable electricity.
EBA has set up an internal working group, consisting of its members, to prepare policy recommendations and position on the future of gas.
