Letter to the European Commission President Candidates

Brussels, 16/05/2019

Dear European Commission President Candidate,

GasNaturally – a partnership of six associations from across the whole gas value chain – is ready to contribute to the EU climate and energy goals and to the achievement of the Paris Agreement.

We are looking forward to working with the new Commission President in order to deliver these objectives in the most cost-efficient possible way. We strongly believe that finding a way to combine the energy transition with the economic development and industrial competitiveness is key to ensuring lowest costs for the society and hence, the long-term support of the EU citizens. Furthermore, a successful transition will also provide an example for other nations, ensuring that Europe’s leadership paves the way for a global effort.

The gas industry can deliver significant policy benefits in terms of CO2 emission reductions and improvement of air quality through the development of green and low-carbon gas technologies such as power-to-gas, natural gas to hydrogen with carbon capture and storage (CCS), biogas, biomethane and carbon capture and use (CCU). These technologies will enable a cost-effective decarbonization process of sectors such as heating, cooling, energy intensive industries, transport and support of decentralized electricity generation. Indeed, a recent study by the Gas for Climate consortium has concluded that a net-zero emissions approach deploying green and low- carbon gas will generate a €217 billion annual saving across the energy system by 2050 compared to a “minimal gas” scenario1.

Alongside the Research, Development & Innovation efforts to develop low-carbon gas, our industry is committed to reducing the carbon footprint of its operations through increasing energy efficiency and reducing methane emissions. Affordable and secure gas supply provides a low-cost and immediately available way to make electricity generation cleaner, through the displacement of coal and the flexibility to integrate renewable energy sources. GasNaturally members ensure ample and competitive supplies through the interconnection of EU Member States and the diversification of supply sources and routes by taking advantages of the less expensive gas resources such as the indigenous EEA gas resources and the competitive global LNG market.

As we address the dual challenge of more energy with fewer emissions, we highlight the importance of the EU’s commitment to both technological neutrality for economically mature technologies (in terms of providing the EU funding and through the sustainable finance agenda), and to a market-driven approach. These will drive the costs down and incentivise innovation to the benefit of all Europeans. We look forward to working with you to deliver a fair, inclusive and effective energy transition.

Yours sincerely,

Marco Alverà

President of Gas Naturally

-------------------------------

1) The optimal role for gas in a net-zero emissions energy system, GasForClimate/Navigant (2019).

The members of GasNaturally are: International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP), Eurogas, Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE), European Gas Research Group (GERG), the Technical Association of the European Natural Gas Industry (MARCOGAZ) and Natural & Biogas Vehicle Association (NGVA).

E: info@gasnaturally.eu T: +32 (0)2 894 48 23