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The role of gases in the European energy transition

Author

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  • Jonathan Stern

    (Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, Oxford, United Kingdom)

Abstract

The role of gases in the energy transition is a different, and much more immediate, issue in the EU, compared with other global regions. Net zero targets for 2050 mean that in order to retain the gas market and the extensive network infrastructure which has been developed, zero carbon gases will need to be developed, and natural gas (methane) will need to be decarbonized. Maximum availability of biomethane and hydrogen from power to gas is estimated at 100–150 billion cubic meters by 2050 (or around 25–30% of gas demand in the late 2010s. Therefore, large scale hydrogen production from reforming methane with carbon capture and storage (CCS), or pyrolysis, will be needed to maintain anything close to current demand levels. Costs of biomethane and hydrogen options are several times higher than prices of natural gas in 2019–2020. Significant financial support for decarbonization technologies — from governments and regulators — will therefore be needed in the 2020s, if they are to be available on a large scale in the 2030s and 2040s. If the EU gas community fails to advance convincing decarbonized narratives backed by investments which allow for commercialization of renewable gas and methane decarbonization technologies; and/or governments fail to create the necessary legal/fiscal and regulatory frameworks to support these technologies, then energy markets will progressively move away from gases and towards electrification.

Suggested Citation

  • Jonathan Stern, 2020. "The role of gases in the European energy transition," Russian Journal of Economics, ARPHA Platform, vol. 6(4), pages 390-405, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:arh:jrujec:v:6:y:2020:i:4:p:390-405
    DOI: 10.32609/j.ruje.6.55105
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    Cited by:

    1. Josipa Pavičić & Karolina Novak Mavar & Vladislav Brkić & Katarina Simon, 2022. "Biogas and Biomethane Production and Usage: Technology Development, Advantages and Challenges in Europe," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-28, April.
    2. V. V. Saenko & A. Yu. Kolpakov, 2021. "Prospects for Russian Energy Exports in the Conditions of Implementing International Climate Policy Measures," Studies on Russian Economic Development, Springer, vol. 32(6), pages 668-675, November.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    gas decarbonisation hydrogen biomethane pipeline LNG methane emissions;

    JEL classification:

    • P18 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Energy; Environment
    • Q40 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - General

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