Brussels, 21 March 2017: Today Eurogas, the association representing the wholesale, retail and distribution of gas in Europe, launched its new microsite – “Making the energy transition happen!” This new site highlights the importance of gas working together with renewable energy sources such as wind and solar so that transition to a low -carbon energy system can happen at maximum speed and minimum cost.

“Europe needs to get back on track to implement the climate targets,” says Eurogas Secretary General Beate Raabe. “It is gas in combination with wind and sun that makes the energy transition really happen, hence the new domain name for the microsite – www.gaswindandsun.eu.”

Using the five pillars of the energy union “Making the energy transition happen!” draws attention to key areas where gas can and already does make a positive difference. In power generation, the use of natural gas can be up to 85% efficient and emits up to 66% less carbon dioxide than coal. Modern gas heating devices boast ‘A’ energy labels. In transport, natural gas can reduce nitrogen dioxide (NOx) emissions by up to 90% and emits hardly any particulate matter.

“The Eurogas roadmap for the energy transition describes a clear path to 2030 as well as 2050 to reach the climate targets in a cost-efficient way. We can reap the benefits of natural gas very quickly, and do not require the heavy investment costs associated with other pathways, such as full electrification,” Ms Raabe continued.

Gas can work flexibly with variable renewable electricity, addressing its intermittency by being available when the wind is not blowing and the sun is not shining or heat pumps stop being efficient in colder weather. In addition, gas itself can be increasingly renewable, such as biomethane or synthetic gas, putting excess electricity from wind and sun to good use rather than wasting it. By transforming electricity into gas and by using the existing gas infrastructure, these power-to-gas processes are also the solution for large and long-term electricity storage.

The five pillars of the energy union describe the areas in which action needs to be taken. That’s why the microsite follows their logic and pins information and policy recommendations to each of them: climate action, research & innovation, energy efficiency, energy security, and the internal market. “Essentially policy needs to be tough on carbon dioxide emissions, open on innovation and fair on competition”, Ms Raabe concluded.

Ready to learn more? Visit: www.gaswindandsun.eu

Note to Editors: Eurogas is an association representing 43 companies and associations engaged in the wholesale, retail and distribution of gas in Europe. Eurogas provides data and information relevant to EU decision makers and opinion formers in making the right policy choices.

Press contact: Kathleen Sinnott, kathleen.sinnott@eurogas.org, tel. +32 2 894 48 09

Eurogas • Av. de Cortenbergh 172 • 1000 Brussels • Belgium • www.eurogas.org