Event | 07.03.2019 | 09:30 - 13:00

The future of gas in Europe

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This is a climate neutral event, as emissions caused by participants travel, venue use and catering will be offset via atmosfair.

CONFERENCE PRESENTATION

After the adoption of the Clean Energy Package, the European Commission has begun preparatory work on the review of the internal gas market design. In parallel, the 4th PCIs list is under elaboration and will be published towards the end of 2019. However the Paris Agreement calls for a net-zero emissions society by the second half of the century at global level, meaning a net-zero carbon economy before 2050 in Europe. This implies a faster pace of decarbonisation in all sectors. The energy sector in particular should be leading the decarbonisation effort given the availability of technological solutions so that Europe moves towards a highly efficient, 100% renewable energy system. What could be the role of gas in this 2050 perspective? While natural fossil fuel gas should be phased-out, other gases emerge and are presented as renewable alternatives. Different terms are used to describe them – such as “green gas”, “decarbonised gas” or “renewable gas”. What are these gases? What are their potential, properties, costs and benefits? Are they compatible with a net-zero carbon emission society by 2050?

CONFERENCE PROGRAMME

9:00 - 9:30 Registration

Interpretation will be provided in English , French and Dutch.

INTRODUCTION

9:30 - 9:40
WELCOME REMARKS
by Michèle Rivasi, member of the European Parliament

9:40 - 10:00
TOWARDS A REVISION OF THE INTERNAL GAS MARKET DESIGN?
by Florian Ermacora, European Commission, DG Energy, Head of Unit B2 Wholesale markets; electricity and gas

PANEL I - GAS IN EUROPE

Moderation by MEP Florent Marcellesi

10:00 - 10:10
NATURAL GAS AND CLIMATE COMMITMENTS, TWO IRRECONCILABLE ELEMENTS ?
by by Nicolas Berghmans, IDDRI

10:10 - 10:20
GAS DEMAND AND GAS INFRASTRUCTURE: A HISTORY OF OVER-ESTIMATION
by Frida Kieninger, Food and Water Watch

10:20 - 10:30
STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF THE GAS PCI-LIST
by Boyko Nitzov, Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators

10:30 - 11:00
Q & A

Coffee break