EU States Could Rely More on Gas: Eurogas
European Union member states could use more gas in their national climate and energy plans (NCEPs), industry lobby group Eurogas said March 13.
All 28 member states have submitted their NCEPs to the European Commission, and Eurogas' analysis of the role that gas plays in the plans shows that many are looking at what will replace gas.
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Secretary-general James Watson said 17 NECPs recognise the need for the use of gas to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030; nineteen NECPs mention biogas and biomethane for use in heating, transport, and power generation; and 21 refer to hydrogen and its increasing importance.
"It is also interesting to see that more member states are looking at the future evolution of gas rather than its ability over the next 10 years to contribute to achieving the carbon reduction target of the EU," Watson said. "It is important that gas is recognised for all the benefits it can bring to fighting climate change now and in the future."
Not all EU members have gas: Malta and Cyprus, for example manage without, except for limited power generation in the case of Malta.
Gas has tremendous potential in delivering on the EU emission reduction targets in a cost-effective and publicly acceptable manner while creating economic growth and jobs, and at the same time technology and industrial leadership for the EU, Watson said.
Eurogas believes the member states' ambitions could be advanced by extending the role of renewable and decarbonised gas. The lobbyist highlights the need for binding targets for these, based on the existing EU renewable energy targets. This would contribute to achieving a higher share of renewable energy at lower cost, Watson added.