December 15, 2021
Being on the eve of its 20’s anniversary, GIE welcomes the work of the European Commission for releasing the revision of the Hydrogen and Decarbonised Gas Market Package and its legislation on Methane emissions.
“The readiness of gas infrastructure for hydrogen and our determination to deliver climate neutrality are valuable cost-effective assets to the transition. Our almost 70 members stand ready to support the EU institutions in making this ambitious plan come true. There is quite some work on our plate, so it’s now time to roll up our sleeves and tackle together with the EU institutions the challenges ahead.” stated Torben Brabo, GIE President.
Boyana Achovski, GIE Secretary General added: “The existing gas infrastructure brings a significant number of benefits to the table. We have a strong network (capacity of 4000 TWh in transport, 1100 TWh in storage and 2000 TWh/year in import via LNG terminals in operation and affordable already today), the expertise to innovate and over 50 000 workers across Europe. It has been almost 20’s years now that we are supporting the EU institutions in their work with updated facts, figures and various transparency initiatives. We look forward to continuing to keep collaborating for an efficient transition.”
GIE members’ work:
Torben Brabo reminded that: “For this transition to be successful, we need thorough analyses and a well-structured preparation. We need to make the most of the excellent network available today. GIE is aware of that and lead several studies this year. Our most recent analysis showcases the feasibility of transport of hydrogen in European gas infrastructure, the value of underground storage, the future role of the LNG terminals and how gas infrastructure supports the decarbonisation in Central- and Eastern Europe. We also looked at regulatory elements, for example how to best regulate hydrogen infrastructure or how to best use the potential of hydrogen blending”.
Boyana Achovski added: “Another crucial point is to keep a holistic and pragmatic approach. That’s why we get in conversation with multiple actors from various regions and sectors. Together, we share good practices, inspire each other and work on the development of the most efficient and integrated solutions possible. Our internal organization and experience of making proposals across the value chain (TSO, SSO, LSO) make us ready for this.”
“To succeed in the long term, public acceptance also needs to be taken on board. For that, we must provide cost-efficient and affordable solutions, and gas infrastructure can provide that. Relying on our well-developed infrastructure brings significant cost- and time advantages for the build-up of the infrastructure for hydrogen. Securing gas infrastructure balances and supports the electric infrastructure and market; secure huge socio-economic benefits to the entire EU society. Establishing a clear and simple regulation will ensure a fast, efficient and inclusive transition benefiting all EU citizens and industries” concluded Mr Brabo.
GIE’s recommendations:
For these promising efforts to keep blooming across the EU Member States, an adequate policy framework should be put in place to support the operators. This is what GIE calls for:
Hydrogen & Decarbonised Gas Market Package
The role of gas infrastructure operators and unbundling:
Network Planning:
Third Party Access and Tariffication:
Methane emissions
Francisco Pablo de la Flor García, GIE Board member & GIE System Operation & Development Area Sponsor explained “The European gas industry has developed multiple tools to the success of the legislative process and its implementation. Raising awareness and sharing knowledge among the gas industry players is key to effectively defining effective methane emissions mitigation strategies. Emission reductions are being achieved thanks to the implementation of ambitious leak detection and repair programmes as well as the progressive reduction of venting and flaring. Technical, environmental and economic aspects are also part of the equation. Gas operators are more than ever committed to reducing CH4 emissions and supporting the Global Methane Pledge.”
Raising awareness on the mitigation and monitoring technique against methane emissions is essential to uplift the change. Numerous joint initiatives are already in place or under development, as detailed in the Action Plan on Methane Emissions that was developed after the report Potential ways the gas industry can contribute to the reduction of methane emissions. Discover the joint declaration of the GIE, ENTSOG, Eurogas, Marcogaz, Gerg.
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.