New Study Shows Natural Gas Can Play Key Role in Achieving Zero GHG Emissions by 2050

In a new study, Ecofys, a Navigant company, has analyzed what role gas and gas infrastructure can play in a zero greenhouse gas emissions energy system by 2050. The study, launched by the Gas for Climate initiative, shows that renewable gas can play an important role in reducing Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by mid-century.

Ecofys estimated the potential for the production of renewable gas, including biomethane and renewable hydrogen, within the EU by 2050. Based on prudent sustainability criteria, a potential of at least 4.3 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of renewable gas, biomethane and renewable hydrogen is feasible. This equals around 25 percent of today’s natural gas consumption in Europe. The study allocated this gas over various economic sectors and modelled the societal cost savings of using this gas compared to a fully decarbonized energy system without any gas.

The study is available here.