The energy transition has prompted four gas infrastructure leaders to join forces: SoCalGas, Energir, GRDF and GRTgaz. The latter are convinced that renewable gases will help meet climate objectives and renovate the gas network.
The energy transition will not happen without the gas sector
Collaboration for decarbonation
The energy transition and the obligations it imposes have prompted a collaboration between four gas giants. This collaboration is mainly aimed at facilitating the production and injection of renewable gas into the networks. This project is therefore part of a joint commitment by gas operators to decarbonize the gas sector.
Read on energynews.com: GazProm: -12% of Exports to Europe in 2020
Proposal for orientation
The four energy companies are proposing two directions to achieve decarbonization at a controlled cost. First, to facilitate the development and use of renewable gas (biomethane and hydrogen). This, in particular by taking advantage of the existing local production. Secondly, to take advantage of the strengths of gas networks. This is to promote the energy transition and carbon neutrality through collective work and a common approach.
Common vision and recommendation for the energy transition
In a position paper, the four gas network operators present their vision and recommendations for decarbonizing the sector.
A common vision of the future energy system
They thus project themselves in a system where the gas and electricity networks are interconnected, complementary and 100% renewable. Gas networks would provide long-term or seasonal storage capacity to meet consumers’ energy needs. And this, while effectively decarbonizing many economic sectors.
Read on energynews.com: TurkStream 2: the new Nord Stream 2?
Reconsider the place of renewable gases
The four operators recommend promoting a global approach to energy system planning by leveraging gas networks through energy complementarity. They also wish to support the regulations necessary to guarantee the maintenance and development of gas infrastructures.
In terms of mobility, they invite greater consideration of solutions based on conventional natural gas and renewable gases, such as hydrogen. To this end, they believe it is necessary to inform and encourage the general public and professionals to adopt gas mobility solutions as a replacement for conventional fuels. Finally, they recommend integrating gas and renewable gases into sustainable road, rail and maritime transport planning.
The gas sector is increasingly investing in the energy transition and for good reason. Gas has a central role to play, particularly as a substitute for oil in terms of mobility. At this very moment, the Nord Stream 2 project raises the question of both energy independence and the substitution of coal and oil by gas in Europe. Also, many players in the sector are committed to renewable gases. In this sense, the European Hydeal Ambition project aims to develop green hydrogen at oil prices.
