Gas network chief: ‘By 2050, we assume CO2 emissions from energy will be zero’

(EurActiv, 27 Mar 2019) Europe’s electricity and gas operators are currently working on a joint network plan based on a carbon budget which includes zero-emission scenarios for 2050. “And that automatically means there will be no fossil gas in the mix by then,” Jan Ingwersen told EURACTIV in an interview.

Jan Ingwersen is the general manager of ENTSOG, the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Gas. He spoke to EURACTIV’s energy and environment editor, Frédéric Simon.

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS:

EU gas storage capacity currently stands at 1,200 TWh, providing much-needed flexibility to the energy system
Storage facilities could serve both gas and electricity needs in the future, driven by hydrogen development
Pipelines are being converted to carry pure hydrogen between the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and France
But the market is not ready yet for an EU-wide hydrogen standard, regional approach preferable
Electricity and gas operators are currently working on a joint ten-year network development plan that will be presented in the summer and finalised in the Autumn
The joint plan includes three scenarios, two of which are based on a carbon budget compatible with the Paris Agreement goals
Two scenarios assume zero carbon emissions by 2050, which means no more fossil gas by then