CEOs of 10 gas distribution networks companies call for an ambitious revision of the Hydrogen & Gas Package as negotiations continue

In a letter to the Spanish Deputy Representative to the EU, the ten CEOs of the largest European gas network operators (DSOs) urge Member States to raise their ambitions on renewable gases in concluding negotiations on the Hydrogen & Gas Package.

Together, these companies, all members of the EU association Gas Distributors for Sustainability (GD4S), operate close to 500,000 km of gas networks and serve more than 35 million of European customers. They operate a gas distribution infrastructure which is a major asset for the energy transition, to inject and supply industries and households with renewable gases, biomethane and hydrogen. Thanks to its local footprint and proximity with an increasingly decentralised energy production, this existing infrastructure is a critical enabler for the cost-efficient decarbonisation of various sectors, accelerating the diversification of gas supplies and reinforcing security of supply thanks to renewable gases.

It is therefore crucial for the success of the energy transition that the on-going revision of the Gas Package results in a supportive regulatory framework for accelerating the uptake of renewable gases. GD4S CEOs therefore encourage Member States to support the inclusion of a collectively binding EU target for reaching 35 bcm of biomethane produced and injected by 2030.

In addition, the ten CEOs also call for the removal of all unnecessary barriers for gas DSOs to play their full role in supporting the deployment of hydrogen at limited costs for consumers and society. This means creating a clear, distinct and enabling framework for distribution and transmission of hydrogen at the European level.

As trilogues on the Gas Package continue, GD4S and its members encourage EU co-legislators to find a solid and ambitious compromise, ensuring the creation of a future-proof European hydrogen and decarbonised gas market that the EU needs for achieving its energy transition as fast and cost-efficient as possible.

The letter is available following the link below.