Note: The original title of this report unintentionally duplicated that of a report by Agora Energiewende. We apologise for not detecting this error sooner and have updated our title.
Meeting European climate goals will require a stark contraction in fossil gas use. Despite the substantial implications for gas grid users and infrastructure, current grid planning in most EU Member States does not adequately reflect this new reality. This misalignment poses a substantial barrier to the transition towards a sustainable energy system and underscores the need for more holistic planning.
Alignment of energy infrastructure planning with other planning processes could better support climate and social goals. Regulations regarding heat planning, for instance, have significant consequences for gas grid infrastructure development, heating appliance regulations and consumer burdens. Infrastructure planning processes also do not yet address the support needed to ensure vulnerable energy users are able to fully participate in the transition to cleaner, more efficient technologies.
This study provides comprehensive information on the current state of the gas grid, its development, and the regulatory framework in selected European countries, and identifies current regulatory barriers for the phase-out of fossil gas. It concludes with recommendations on how Member States could better align energy infrastructure planning with the attainment of national and EU climate targets.
Recommendations
- Adopt a national phase-out target and give energy regulators a net zero mandate.
- Make the regulatory framework fit for the gas phase-out.
- Adopt integrated heat and grid planning.
- Plan future gas infrastructure based on realistic assumptions about future availability of zero-carbon heating technologies.
- Track and collect harmonised data at the EU level.
- Protect vulnerable customers.
Connecting reality with climate goals: Case studies of gas distribution system planning and regulation
The authors undertook country-level studies for Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Netherlands and the United Kingdom to take stock of their distribution systems, including fossil gas consumption, the various regulations associated with the systems, the alignment of network planning and climate scenarios, and consumer protections.
Adjusting existing structures to meet evolving energy system needs involves a host of regulations, such as taking steps towards orderly gas grid decommissioning and ensuring vulnerable households can benefit equally from the energy transition. These reports identify gaps in gas grid regulation and outline ways in which stakeholders can participate in the transition process.
Country profiles
Published 30 October 2024.