GD4S welcomes the Clean Industrial Deal but Calls for a More Inclusive,Technology-Neutral Approach

Brussels, 26 February 2025 – Gas Distributors for Sustainability (GD4S) welcome the publication of
the Clean Industrial Deal and the Affordable Energy Action Plan, both important steps in the
European Commission’s ambition to reinforce industrial competitiveness and accelerate the clean
transition. However, GD4S regrets the limited recognition of the role of renewable gases— and
the demand flexibility brought by gas solutions, crucial element for a cost-effective, resilient, and
inclusive energy transition.

A Call for a More Balanced Approach
While GD4S supports the EU’s commitment to decarbonisation, the Clean Industrial Deal represents
a missed opportunity to fully integrate all available solutions. A one-size-fits-all electrification
approach will not be sufficient to ensure energy security, affordability, and industrial
competitiveness.

Laurence Poirier-Dietz, President of GD4S, stated:
“The Clean Industrial Deal is a step forward, but we must ensure that Europe’s transition is built on
pragmatism and inclusiveness. A truly competitive, resilient, and affordable decarbonisation strategy
must leverage all renewable and decarbonised energy solutions, including biomethane and hydrogen.
Only by integrating gas and electricity infrastructures can we secure a cost-effective and reliable
transition that benefits all sectors of society.”

Key Priorities for a Successful and Fair Energy Transition

A Holistic Energy System Approach
The transition to a carbon-neutral Europe must be system-wide, combining gas and electricity
infrastructures to guarantee affordability, flexibility, and resilience. The overemphasis on
electrification ignores the need for a diverse, technology-neutral energy mix.

Recognising the Role of Renewable and low carbon Gases
Biomethane and green and blue hydrogen are proven, scalable solutions that can:
✔ Decarbonise industry, buildings, and mobility.
✔ Strengthen Europe’s circular economy, making use of biowaste and agricultural residues.
✔ Reduce dependency on imported energy, ensuring energy sovereignty.
According to the European Biogas Association (EBA), biomethane production could reach 101
billion cubic metres (bcm) by 2040, covering over 80% of the EU’s gas demand. This potential
must be reflected in the Clean Industrial Deal to ensure Europe capitalises on its homegrown
renewable gas resources.

Scaling Up Flexibility to Ensure Energy Security

• Industrial and building demand flexibility must be reinforced, especially in extreme
  weather conditions such as cold snaps and Dunkelflaute periods.
• The Clean Industrial Deal does not sufficiently address how to balance supply and demand
  beyond electrification, overlooking the essential role of gas infrastructure in ensuring
  system stability.

Enabling Decarbonisation Through Market-Based Tools

• Industries and households need simple mechanisms to demonstrate decarbonisation
  through renewable gases, ensuring steady demand.
• GD4S advocates for a transparent invoicing system, allowing consumers to prove the
  renewable gas share, enabling a cost-effective and consumer-friendly transition.

A Commitment to Constructive Dialogue
GD4S remains committed to collaborating with EU policymakers and industry stakeholders to
ensure that the implementation of the Clean Industrial Deal embraces all available, competitive,
and sustainable solutions.

“Europe must seize this opportunity to build an inclusive and pragmatic energy transition. GD4S is
ready to work with policymakers to ensure that renewable gases and existing infrastructures play their
full role in delivering a sustainable, secure, and competitive energy future,” added Laurence Poirier-
Dietz.

About GD4S
Gas Distributors for Sustainability (GD4S) represents leading European gas distribution system
operators, committed to delivering a sustainable, affordable, and secure energy transition. GD4S
supports technology neutrality, infrastructure optimisation, and the accelerated deployment of
renewable gases to build a resilient, decarbonised European energy system.

Read and download the position paper

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