Eurogas on EU energy package: Sound on security of supply but missing opportunities in heating

17 February 2016
by Eurogas -- last modified 17 February 2016

Speaking today on the publication of the European Commission's energy package, Beate Raabe, Secretary General of Eurogas, expressed her support in large part for the market-driven emphasis and overall approach to security of supply in the package but questioned the Commission’s selective approach and disregard for the large benefits linked to gas in heating.

"On security of gas supply, today's energy package offers an opportunity to resolve any outstanding concerns. It complements and supports the many steps taken by the European gas industry in creating a resilient Energy Union through diverse sourcing, infrastructure development and cross-border business," Ms Raabe explained. "In heating, however, it is hard to understand why the Commission is limiting to two technologies the vast potential that exists to make heating cleaner and more efficient. Gas is an important part of that potential."

The energy package, issued by the European Commission today, comprises four parts some of which directly relate to gas, as well as a wider document considering the European Union's heating and cooling strategy. This latter document seems to contradict the Commission's statement in the LNG and Storage working document that "gas is expected to continue to play a vital role in the EU energy system for decades to come," which reflects the benefits of gas – as natural and renewable gas - in power generation, transport as well as heating and cooling.

Europe's strategy for heating – missing an opportunity
While emphasis is rightly placed on addressing energy use in buildings and the significant savings to make in energy demand, Eurogas questions the clear preference for full electrification in heating using heat pumps and district heating. While these may be effective solutions in certain circumstances, they are unlikely to satisfy the fluctuating, seasonal demands of heating right across the European Union. Neither are consumers presented with a full choice of innovative and competitive alternatives specific to their requirements.

"We believe a wider variety of options is required to decarbonise the heating sector, and among them is gas," says Ms Raabe. "With a range of new, modern gas-based or hybrid technologies emerging and renewable gas production increasing, gas continues to deliver on energy efficiency, help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and facilitate the increase of renewables in the sector," she added.

Security of Supply – welcoming a balanced, market-driven approach
The proposed Regulation concerning measures to safeguard security of gas supply maintains a balanced, proposals to build on improved regional cooperation as a means to optimise the use of pipelines, terminals and storage in the market to diversify supplies especially for the currently most vulnerable Member States.

Such measures along with the completion of missing infrastructure links will support the pivotal role that gas needs to play in all energy sectors for the EU to reach its energy and climate goals in a cost-efficient way.

Eurogas was founded in 1990 as a non-profit organisation to represent the interests of the gas industry in one strong voice towards European and global stakeholders. Its 43 members currently comprise companies, national associations and international organisations all engaged in the wholesale, retail and distribution of gas in Europe. The association aims to strengthen the role of gas in the energy mix by establishing an ongoing dialogue with European industry players, global producers of gas and relevant institutions such as the European Commission.

Eurogas