GIE Annual Conference | Day 2 | MEP Cristian Buşoi opens the day | Decarbonising transport

October 13, 2021

Lucerne, 13^th October 2021

GIE Annual Conference | Day 2 |
MEP Cristian Buşoi opens the day | Decarbonising transport

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We rolled our sleeves up and we are ready to continue the Fit for 55 Package discussions. This morning we welcomed the distinguished ITRE Committee Chair, MEP Cristian Buşoi , and he addressed the following: “We need gas for now & for the future! Gas is absolutely necessary to achieve Climate Targets and gas infra could survive. Policy makers need to find the balance for energy transition to ensure affordable energy price and leave no region behind.”

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% at EU level by 2030 and by 90% in the transport sector is an incredible challenge. The transport sector is the only sector that has not reduced its greenhouse gas emissions since 1990. In this race, all technologies and fuels must play their roles depending on each country’s and region’s specificities. The market will have the final say. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, technology neutrality will be key.

Filip-Alexandru Negreanu Arboreanu, Deputy Head of Cabinet of EU Commissioner for Transport, said that “It’s very clear that transport needs to decarbonise – what we now need are technological innovations and an uptake of investments to guarantee a rapid rollout of low emission vehicles and vessels, the availability of the alternative fuels and the infrastructure to support them. LNG will definitely be part of the ecosystem towards carbon neutrality with bio- and renewable gases growing over time.”

Arno Büx, GLE President, mentioned that “LNG is the immediate solution to address emissions in transport. LNG is available and affordable, the technology is mature and safe, and it creates the bridge for climate-neutral bioLNG and synthetic LNG. There is no lock-in effect – to switch to bioLNG and synthetic LNG, there is no need for additional investments or modifications of the existing infrastructure.”

Mads Peter Zacho of Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping sees sees growing decarbonisation momentum in shipping, led by large shipowners. Initial analysis form the Center confirms that a pathway to zero carbon shipping by 2050 is indeed possible. Industry collaboration, scale up of renewable energy capacity and not least tight global regulation are needed to materialize full decarbonization of shipping.

Steve Esau of SEA/LNG says that “Waiting is not an option. We need to start the decarbonisation journey for shipping now, utilising what is possible and focusing on what gives us options for the future – LNG does precisely that.”

Philip Scarth of FPT Industrial is absolutely sure that “Biomethane is a ready now solution to rapidly proceed in the direction of the energy transition and zero emissions targets. Having introduced CNG in the market in 2008, FPT Industrial is now leader in natural gas. With over 55,000 units sold so far for both off-road and on-road segments we serve our clients with tailored-made solutions. We have always been pioneering in designing and introducing in the market innovative solutions and we have innovation in our DNA.”

All these views should be part of the future design of a cleaner functional transport sector. The future EU legislation should consider the following:

• Future regulation should have a market-based approach and be technology neutral;
• Future regulation should have a holistic approach to the decarbonisation challenges;
• Alignment in all legislative proposals of the Fit for 55 Package;
• Ensure there is a diversity of refuelling stations in order to meet the rising demand and encourage more individuals and businesses to make the switch to alternative and low-carbon fuels.

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.