Gas Forum for Member States: Towards a new Energy System for Europe in 2030

As crucial talks are taking place around the European Commission’s Communication on the 2030 Climate and Energy Framework, GasNaturally invited key stakeholders to its Annual Member States’ Gas Forum in Brussels on 9th April to provide their views on the role of natural gas in Europe’s future energy mix.

Organised under the patronage of the Hellenic Presidency of the EU, the event brought together high-level representatives from EU Institutions, national governments, think tanks and the private sector to discuss how Europe can ensure natural gas is used most efficiently in the transition to a low-carbon European economy.

The event started with an informed discussion on the promise of Eastern Mediterranean gas, addressing the challenges and potential of the new gas discoveries in the region and outlining options considered   by regional stakeholders for the transport of East Mediterranean gas to the European market. Pipelines and LNG terminals were widely discussed, as well as the role of the EU in the context of these new supplies. The second session of the Forum explored ideas for an ambitious energy system for 2030. Beyond the role of natural gas by 2030, the core focus of the discussion was on a number of questions related to the European energy system, such as the integration of renewable energies and the policy instruments needed to ensure a transition to a low-carbon economy, such as the strengthening of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). Speakers also conveyed a sense of urgency in tackling the current coal and Renewables paradigm to meet the EU’s emission reduction objectives. Otherwise the EU runs the risk of staying behind the curve.

Throughout the event, speakers and panellists acknowledged natural gas as part of the solution to the European energy transition, with strong environmental benefits to decarbonise European power production, the flexibility required by intermittent renewables and diversified supply sources. Based on the positive outcomes of the event, GasNaturally will continue to contribute to the policy debate as EU policymakers step up their efforts to ensure a competitive, clean and secure energy supply.

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Agenda

Timing

Programme

13:45 – 14:25

Registration and coffee

 

Welcome remarks by François-Régis Mouton, Chairman of GasNaturally

 
 

14:25 – 15:45

Panel 1: Eastern Mediterranean Gas: Adding to the Diversity of EU Energy Supplies?

 

Opening speech by Pr. Konstantinos Mathioudakis, Secretary General for Energy and Climate Change, Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change

 

Panel discussion:

  • John Peuteman, CEO Oil & Gas ENI NV/SA Belgium, ENI
  • Maïté de Boncourt, Senior Research Fellow, Energy Center, IFRI
  • Dr. Stelios Nicolaides, Acting Director of the Hydrocarbons Service, Ministry of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism of Cyprus
  • Moderator: Sami Andoura, Senior Research Fellow, Notre Europe, Jacques Delors Institute

 

Q&A Session

Responses from Member States Representatives:

Italy

Ing. Gilberto Dialuce, Director-General for Security of Supply and Energy Infrastructure at the Italian Ministry of Economic Development

 

15:45 – 16:15    

Coffee Break

 

16:15 – 17:45      

Panel 2: An ambitious vision for our energy system in 2030

 

Introductory remarks: François-Régis Mouton, Chairman of GasNaturally

Opening speech by Mechthild Wörsdörfer, Director for Energy Policy, DG Energy (To view her presentation, click here)

 

Panel discussion:

  • Richard Sarsfield-Hall, Senior Principal, Pöyry Management Consulting (To view his presentation, click here)
  • Ulrik Stridbæk, Director and Head of Regulatory Affairs, Dong Energy
  • Peter Blauwhoff, CEO Deutsche Shell Holding GmbH, Chair European Gas and LNG Market Development Board
  • Moderator: Alessandro Torello, Communications Manager, OGP 

 

Q&A Session

Responses from Member States Representatives:

Poland - Germany

Kristina L. Haverkamp, Head of the Economic Department at the Permanent Representation of Germany to the EU

Mariusz Kawnik, Head of International Affairs Unit, Oil and Gas Department, Ministry of Economy of Poland

 

17:45 – 18:00    

Keynote speech by Dominique Ristori, Director-General of DG Energy 

18:00 - 18:15

Closing Remarks by François-Régis Mouton, Chairman of GasNaturally

This event was organised under the patronage of the Greek Presidency of the Council of the European Union

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