Future of gas
EU Commission paves way for regulating methane emissions in 2021
The European Commission has opted for a “holistic” approach to address the global warming impact of methane, putting the emphasis on international cooperation first before regulating emissions in sectors like energy and agriculture.
LEAK: EU’s draft methane strategy puts onus on data, reporting
A draft version of the European Commission’s methane strategy, expected to come out on Wednesday (14 October), doesn't set limits on methane emissions from fossil fuels, instead setting the stage for that to happen as of 2025.
Hydrogen transport costs will vary on a case-by-case basis, industry says
While natural gas pipelines can be used to carry hydrogen, the cost of retrofitting infrastructure combined with end-user requirements at the local level, will determine whether blended or pure hydrogen is delivered to the final consumer, industry experts say.
Spain approves hydrogen strategy to spur low-carbon economy
Spain approved on Tuesday (6 October) a plan to boost clean hydrogen production, aiming to build enough infrastructure to give it a major role in Europe's market for a fuel seen as key to meeting international carbon emissions targets.
Merkel dampens talk of halting Nord Stream 2, party sources say
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and her economy minister on Tuesday (8 September) played down the possibility of halting the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia to Germany as part of any sanctions imposed on Moscow due to the poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.
Merkel doesn’t rule out Nord Stream fallout over Navalny
German Chancellor Angela Merkel will not rule out consequences for the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project if Russia fails to thoroughly investigate opposition leader Alexei Navalny's poisoning, her spokesman said Monday (7 September).
Gas and nuclear industries fight to the end for ‘green’ EU investment label
The gas and nuclear industries have ramped up lobbying to secure last-ditch changes to European rules defining which investments are sustainable, fearing that exclusion from a new “green” list could deprive them of billions of dollars of funding.
EU unveils blueprint for a more efficient energy system
The European Commission on Wednesday (8 July) unveiled its “energy system integration strategy” which aims to link different energy carriers, infrastructure and consumption sectors together in order to boost renewables and reduce carbon emissions.
Gas boom risks ‘perfect storm’ for climate, economy: report
Global natural gas capacity under construction has doubled in a year according to new analysis that warned Tuesday (7 July) the investment boom in the world's fastest-growing fuel risks a "perfect storm" of climate chaos and stranded assets.
LEAK: ‘Efficiency first’ is top priority of draft EU energy strategy
Efficiency must be at the core of Europe’s energy policy, the European Commission says in a draft policy document outlining its vision of a more agile, low-carbon energy system powered chiefly by renewable electricity.
LEAK: ‘European Clean Hydrogen Alliance’ ready for take-off
The European Commission will seek to position Europe as a global leader on hydrogen with a new industry-led alliance set to be unveiled on Wednesday (8 July).
EU lawmakers divided over inclusion of natural gas in Just Transition Fund
The European Parliament's Regional Affairs Committee will vote Monday (6 July) on the EU's proposed €40 billion Just Transition Fund, which aims to support the bloc's 108 coal-producing regions in their transition to a low-carbon economy. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Pascal Canfin: On gas and nuclear, EU must apply green finance taxonomy
Whether in the European recovery plan or the just transition fund, Pascal Canfin says he is in favour of applying the EU sustainable finance taxonomy, which allows drawing a line between gas projects that merit public funding and those that don’t.
LEAKED: Europe’s draft hydrogen strategy
The European Commission aims to promote so-called “green” hydrogen produced from renewable electricity over the “grey” sort obtained from natural gas steam reforming, according to a leaked policy document obtained by EURACTIV.
The EU is dreaming big on hydrogen, but much infrastructure work remains
The European Commission will come out with a big push for hydrogen early next month, but there are concerns about whether existing infrastructure can meet the demand.
Europe’s oil refiners outline path to climate neutrality by 2050
The European oil refining industry association, whose members includes Shell, BP, ExxonMobil and Total, outlined on Monday (15 June) a €650 billion plan to completely decarbonise transport fuels by 2050.
Can Germany’s hydrogen strategy deliver on its green premises?
The German government has found the right premises for its hydrogen strategy by recognising that only green hydrogen supply, made from renewable energies, is sustainable, writes Felix Heilmann. But there are also shortcomings, he says.
Oil, gas, coal could lose two-thirds of value by 2070, says study
Business in oil, gas and coal is becoming increasingly unprofitable as global fossil reserves could lose around two-thirds of their value in the next 50 years, plummeting from around $39 trillion to $14 trillion, according to a study published on Thursday (4 May) by British think tank Carbon Tracker. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Nord Stream 2: New decisions and clear consequences
On 15 May, the German regulator rejected an application from the gas import pipeline Nord Stream 2 for a derogation from new EU rules. Kim Talus looks at the ongoing judicial proceedings and the consequences of the decision.
Why the European Green Deal needs strong methane regulations
Oil and gas companies throughout the supply chain need to do much more to bring down methane emissions immediately. And they can, writes Maarten Wetselaar.
EXCLUSIVE: Eight EU states back ‘natural gas’ in net-zero transition
A group of eight EU countries from the Balkans and the east have joined forces to defend the “role of natural gas in a climate-neutral Europe”.
EU’s ‘Clean Hydrogen Alliance’ must focus on renewables, greens insist
The European Commission’s "Clean Hydrogen Alliance," expected to be launched in the summer, should focus primarily on ensuring that renewables-based hydrogen becomes cheaper than fossil alternatives, campaigners argue.
Gas industry urged to ‘accelerate’ transition to hydrogen
Hydrogen has become a central element of EU plans to reach net-zero emissions by mid-century. The key question now is how to accelerate the transition and upgrade the gas infrastructure, policymakers say. “We need to accelerate” the gas industry’s conversion...