Gas Infrastructure Europe elects Torben Brabo, CEO of Energinet Gas TSO

November 3, 2020

Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE) General Assembly has elected Torben Brabo, CEO of Energinet Gas TSO, as GIE’s new President for a 24-month term. Torben Brabo takes over the Presidency from ENGIE’s Jean-Marc Leroy who has served as GIE President since 2015.

Commenting on his appointment, Torben Brabo said: “Over the past five years under Jean-Marc’s Presidency, we have seen GIE strengthen its voice and consolidate its position on the European scene. Today, I am honoured for having been entrusted to take the lead of Gas Infrastructure Europe at a time when “business as usual” is not an option. The European gas infrastructure industry shall play a central role to address two major challenges we are facing: the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 health crisis, and a fair transition to a decarbonised integrated energy system. It will be our duty to continue to provide the European industries, services and millions of citizens with continuous and affordable energy to sustain the response to the pandemic.

Gases being more and more decarbonised, for the EU to achieve climate neutrality by mid-century, an integrated use of the electricity grids and the gas infrastructure will be needed. For this, a variety of technologies and renewable and low-carbon gases, including hydrogen, will be used at different stages. With our assets, pipelines, storage and LNG terminals, we are on the way to paving a European hydrogen backbone and complete an integrated energy system. I look forward to working with the European gas infrastructure industry to accelerate the energy transition and to build a low carbon future”.

Torben Brabo is the CEO of the Gas TSO in Energinet, the Danish national transmission system operator for electricity and gas. It is an independent public enterprise owned by the Danish state under the Ministry of Climate, Utilities and Energy. He has 25 years of experience in the energy and gas sector in Denmark and abroad. Prior to joining Energinet, he took part in European power and gas projects as part of the liberalisation of the Danish gas market in 2002-2004. As the current CEO in Energinet Gas TSO, Torben Brabo is highly involved in European renewable and low-carbon gas projects. Besides of being GIE’s President, he is engaged in ENTSOG (European Network of gas TSOs) and the European gas capacity trading platform PRISMA, and promoting ERGAR. Moreover, he participates in several decarbonisation projects, such as the Green Gas Initiative and Gas for Climate. He has held a position as chairman of the board of the Danish-Swedish gas exchange ‘Gaspoint Nordic’.

Thanking Jean-Marc Leroy for his work and welcoming Torben Brabo, GIE Secretary General Boyana Achovski said: “Over the past 5 years, Jean-Marc Leroy has contributed hugely to the improved visibility of the gas infrastructure business at the European level. Today, GIE is a strongly recognised partner for the EU Green Deal. On behalf of GIE, I would like to thank Jean-Marc for his excellent service and commitment. We are delighted to welcome Torben as new GIE President, who is an experienced leader with excellent knowledge of European energy, and to continue further our mission to deliver the climate goals”.

Note to editors

Who is GIE?

Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE) is the association representing the interests of European gas infrastructure operators active in gas transmission, gas storage and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) regasification. GIE is a trusted partner of European institutions, regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders. It is based in Brussels, the heart of European policymaking. GIE currently represents 70 member companies from 26 countries. GIE’s vision is that by 2050, the gas infrastructure will be the backbone of the new innovative energy system, allowing European citizens to benefit from a secure, efficient and sustainable energy supply.