The role of gas in Europe’s future energy mix and the transition to zero carbon of Europe’s power sector

The transition towards a net zero greenhouse gas economy puts the power sector in the spotlight. The clean energy transition should result in an energy system where primary energy supply would largely come from carbon free sources.  The lower carbon intensity of natural gas – which produces half the emissions of coal when burned in power plants – and the emergence of new technologies like hydrogen are setting gas apart from other fossil fuels in the clean energy transition.  Some stakeholders argue that a partnership between renewables and gas is key because renewable power sources like wind and solar are dependent on external factors such as weather. Gas infrastructure also plays an important role in offering sustainable and cost-effective solutions in transmission, storage and LNG terminals. But climate campaigners remain suspicious of gas. The debate isn’t just an academic one. Whether or not gas infrastructure is deemed to be part of the green energy transition will determine whether it is eligible for EU funding, which now has to be compatible with the EU Green Deal.