Gas Distributors for Sustainability (GD4S) welcomes the European Union Roadmap towards ending Russian energy imports, particularly the phase-out of Russian gas and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to supporting the EU’s energy transition and security goals.
The European Commission’s explicit recognition of renewable gases—including biomethane and clean hydrogen—as strategic alternatives reinforces the pivotal role of local, sustainable solutions in enhancing Europe’s resilience. As the Commission has underlined, gas will remain part of the energy mix for decades to come.
“This roadmap sends a clear political message: Europe’s energy future must be home-grown, diversified and decarbonised. Gas distribution networks are ready to deliver this transformation, by enabling the scale-up of renewable gases and supporting regional security of supply. We stand ready to contribute to the implementation of this strategy”, said Frédéric Dykmans, Secretary General of GD4S.
GD4S supports the Commission’s intention to:
- Establish a dedicated EU platform for non-fossil gaseous molecules, including biomethane.
- Create a European biogas network, engaging national and local actors. However, we underline that biogas alone is not sufficient—it is only through a combined approach, integrating both biogas and biomethane, that we can ensure the replacement of Russian gas at scale and contribute to Europe’s energy sovereignty.
- Facilitate transparent, coordinated national phase-out plans that take full account of infrastructure capabilities.
- Introduce new legislation requiring Member States to adopt specific national plans to monitor and progress the EU-wide phase-out of Russian gas.
“The phase-out of Russian gas must go hand-in-hand with the phase-in of sustainable gases. Biomethane is a mature, scalable and European solution – and we need a robust EU framework to unlock its full potential”, added Frédéric Dykmans.
As a committed partner to European institutions, GD4S looks forward to engaging in the upcoming legislative and implementation processes and contributing to the success of the roadmap’s objectives.
About GD4S: Gas Distributors for Sustainability (GD4S) represents leading gas distribution system operators from 9 EU Member States – France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania and Spain – and the United Kingdom, committed to the European Union net-zero target and ready to contribute to the decarbonisation of industries across the EU, enabling the distribution of clean energy sources, such as renewable gases. Together, GD4S members operate 867,000 km of gas distribution networks and serve more than 54 million citizens across Europe, ensuring the reliable delivery of sustainable energy at the local level.