Aiming at climate neutrality, the successful delivery of the Energy System Integration- and Hydrogen Strategies, as well as the gas market reform are vital. Towards this direction, the upcoming EU Methane Strategy should be fast-tracked to tackle emissions in the energy system today, in the short-to-medium- term.

While it is of significant importance to meet the sustainability criteria and environmental externalities of gas, methane emissions often remain unaddressed. This is why it is important to consider a methane performance standard to be met by all gas sold in the EU gas market, including from imports, a core feature of system integration, the hydrogen strategy and the gas market reform. Assuming that the integrated system will be developed in the service of achieving the net-zero vision, it is important that the gas sector delivers on sustainability, as it already does on security of supply and affordability.

The EU’s Hydrogen Strategy addresses the issue of methane emission and makes it clear that there can be no blue hydrogen without solving the dual CO2 and methane performance challenge. This is a great starting point for addressing a crucial piece of the climate equation. All in all, while opening up a new market for converting gas to hydrogen, it is paramount to clearly establish how the corresponding methane emissions will be also dealt with. As a result, this event will bring together key policy-makers, private sector and NGOs, to discuss and explore best ways ahead, regarding ensuring the delivery of the above in the context of climate neutrality.