Comunicati: Press release

Brussels, 3rd June 2021 – The potential of renewable gases, the strategic role of gas distribution networks and the commitment of Distribution System Operators (DSOs) to meeting shared climate ambitions, form the basis of ‘Gas grids – a key enabler of decarbonisation’, a White Paper published today by Gas Distributors for Sustainabiltiy (GD4S), the EU’s European gas association in which participate the seven major DSOs from seven countries.

Using illustrative case study examples, this comprehensive position paper demonstrates gas DSO decarbonisation in action and affirms GD4S’ commitment to delivering on carbon neutrality by 2050.

Delivered in three sections and with 26 policy recommendations for the consideration of EU policy makers, the paper offers an overview of how gas grids will enable the achievement of decarbonisation targets aligned with the Green Deal.

– Section 1 details how the potential of renewable gases may be leveraged to reach climate neutrality – Biomethane, green hydrogen and synthetic methane to become essential to the energy transition process as carbon intensive fuels are phased out.

– Section 2 describes how gas grids deliver is an asset for decarbonisation and sector integration – Flexible and expansive gas distribution networks are crucial in the decarbonisation process and vital in the context of sector coupling between gas and electricity. Their capability to transport and store energy and offer flexibility for electricity production from renewable sources is also explored.

– Section 3 outlines GD4S’ commitment to decarbonisation through methane emissions’ mitigation – The Association’s commitment is highlighted through an approach based on innovation in leak detection, digitalisation of the networks, measurement of emissions through real data and promotion of the use of renewable gases.

In presenting its position paper now, GD4S seeks to have its specific recommendations incorporated, as appropriate, in current and forthcoming legislative reviews, including the review of the gas legislative framework, the RED II and Energy Efficiency Directive reviews, the TEN-E Regulation, the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Directive, and the envisaged obligations around methane emissions’ reduction.

Commenting on the significance of today’s release, Paolo Gallo, President of GD4S, said: “This White Paper allows us present in a single document positions that we, as an Association,have long been advocating and which have been affirmed in recent statements from the European Commission. Gas networks will play a key role in both the energy transition and after 2050 when decarbonisation is achieved.”

Mr. Gallo continues: “Thanks to their extensive reach, new, digital smart grids will soon be able to transport renewable gases, such as biomethane, green hydrogen and synthetic methane, accelerating the achievement of the net-zero targets. DSOs need a clear regulatory framework supporting innovation and investments in upgrading existing networks over the long term. GD4S and its members are committed in building a carbon-neutral economy and in cooperating with policymakers and stakeholders to help achieve EU climate and energy targets”.

The paper, available to view full here has been signed by Paolo Gallo, CEO, Italgas (Italy) and President of GD4S; Dan Pantilie, CEO, Distrigaz Sud Retele (Romania); Denis O’Sullivan, Managing Director, Gas Networks Ireland (Ireland); Narcís de Carreras, CEO, Nedgia (Spain); Laurence Poirier-Dietz, Managing Director, GRDF (France); Gabriel Sousa, CEO, Galp Gás Natural Distribuição (Portugal) and Leonidas Bakouras, General Manager, Eda Thess (Greece). A summary of the key points of the position paper, together with its recommendations, is also available to view.

Later this year, GD4S will present its first ‘Sustainability Charter’, which will detail the Association’s long-term sustainability commitments across Social, Environmental and Governance pillars, aligned to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).

Sassari, 18 maggio 2021 – Cresce il numero dei Comuni sardi raggiunti dal metano.

Medea (Gruppo Italgas) ha da poco concluso, infatti, la conversione della rete cittadina di Escalaplano (bacino 22) e si accinge a fare altrettanto, entro il mese di maggio, per i comuni di Ossi, Muros, Cargeghe, Uri, Usini (bacino 7) e Villagrande Strisaili (bacino 22), dove risiedono complessivamente oltre 17.000 cittadini.

Per garantire continuità di esercizio e massima flessibilità di approvvigionamento, le reti di distribuzione saranno alimentate attraverso un sistema diffuso di depositi di gas naturale liquefatto: Escalaplano, Uri, Usini e Villagrande Strisaili saranno serviti ognuno da un proprio impianto di GNL, mentre Ossi, Muros e Cargeghe saranno collegati ad un unico deposito di GNL adeguatamente dimensionato rispetto al numero di utenze da servire.

Queste conversioni si vanno ad aggiungere a quelle già portate a termine nei mesi scorsi nelle cittadine di Putifigari, Tissi (bacino 7), Urzulei, Perdasdefogu (bacino 22), Berchidda, Ittireddu e Ozieri (bacino 9) per un totale di oltre 1.000 utenze coinvolte. Nei prossimi mesi, il passaggio al gas naturale è previsto per altri ventitré comuni appartenenti ai bacini 7, 9, 10 e 22. Parallelamente alle operazioni di conversione, Medea ha portato avanti l’attività di costruzione di nuove reti di distribuzione “native digitali”, dotate di sensoristica integrata e predisposizione per il passaggio della fibra ottica. Ad oggi sono stati costruiti oltre 815 km di condotte (sui circa 1.100 pianificati) e sono già serviti da metano i comuni di: Alghero (bacino 6), Marrubiu, Mogoro, Palmas Arborea, Santa Giusta, San Nicolò D’Arcidano, Uras (bacino 19), Barrali (bacino 26), Sanluri, Serrenti (bacino 27), Masainas, Villaperuccio (bacino 35), Nuraminis, Villagreca, Ussana, San Sperate (bacino 37), Irgoli, Loculi e Onifai (bacino 15).

“Con le conversioni da GPL a gas naturale concluse in questa prima parte del 2021 – afferma l’Amministratore Delegato di Medea, Francesca Zanninotti – abbiamo aggiunto un altro importante tassello al nostro programma di metanizzazione dell’isola al quale daremo ulteriore impulso con le operazioni in programma nei prossimi mesi. Il numero crescente di richieste di allacciamento che stiamo ricevendo dimostra il forte interesse da parte dei cittadini verso una fonte di energia sostenibile ed economica come il metano. Il passaggio al gas naturale rappresenta un importante vantaggio per l’intera comunità isolana e un significativo supporto per le attività produttive”.

Attraverso Medea, società di distribuzione del Gruppo, Italgas è presente in 17 dei 38 bacini in cui è divisa la Sardegna, compresi i principali capoluoghi. Sull’isola, Italgas ha cominciato a operare nel 2017 attraverso l’acquisizione di diversi operatori e concessioni. I lavori per la realizzazione delle nuove reti sono in stato avanzato in tutte le aree in concessione, con l’80% delle condotte già posate.

Sorrento (Napoli), 12 maggio 2021 – Da oggi il dolio in terracotta rinvenuto nel 2017 dalla Soprintendenza Archeologia, Belle Arti e Paesaggio per l’Area Metropolitana di Napoli durante i lavori Italgas di costruzione della rete cittadina di distribuzione del gas, darà mostra di sé all’ingresso di Villa Fiorentino. L’importante ritrovamento, infatti, è stato esposto all’ingresso della villa novecentesca, sede della Fondazione Sorrento, nel corso di un incontro a cui hanno partecipato il sindaco di Sorrento, Massimo Coppola, l’Amministratore Delegato della Fondazione Sorrento, Gaetano Milano, il responsabile della tutela archeologica del territorio, Luca Di Franco, e rappresentanti di Italgas.

Il manufatto di epoca romana, risalente secondo gli esperti al I secolo d.C., era stato ritrovato dalla Soprintendenza durante i lavori in corso Italia, nelle vicinanze di Largo Beato Giovanni Paolo II. Conservatosi in buone condizioni, il dolio si trovava a una profondità di circa due metri su una base di terreno stabilizzata dalla malta.

Un ritrovamento reso possibile grazie all’attenzione per il territorio e il suo patrimonio storico, che costituisce un elemento fortemente distintivo per la Società Italgas. Il suo impegno, infatti, fa perno sulla stretta collaborazione con le competenti Soprintendenze e si concretizza in una serie di best practice che vanno oltre il dettato normativo, con l’obiettivo di favorire non solo il recupero dei ritrovamenti, ma anche la loro valorizzazione. Nel caso del vaso risalente all’antica Surrentum, Italgas, in sinergia con Comune e Soprintendenza, si è adoperata per rendere l’opera fruibile al pubblico facendo realizzare un adeguato supporto in ferro battuto su cui il vaso è collocato.

“Ringraziamo Italgas e Soprintendenza per l’attenzione mostrata nei confronti di un bene artistico e storico come questo antico dolio – ha dichiarato il sindaco di Sorrento, Massimo Coppola – Ogni reperto archeologico rappresenta un tassello importantissimo per ricostruire il nostro passato. Un tributo alla nostra memoria collettiva, ma anche un potente strumento di promozione del territorio”.

“Operando in un territorio complesso e ricco di storia come il nostro – ha commentato l’Amministratore Delegato di Italgas Reti, Pier Lorenzo Dell’Orco – capita di frequente di imbattersi in piccole e grandi scoperte archeologiche che contribuiscono a ricostruire frammenti del passato di una comunità. Porre attenzione alla salvaguardia e alla valorizzazione di questo patrimonio è per noi non solo un obbligo di legge; è soprattutto un dovere verso quei territori in cui Italgas è presente e lavora ogni giorno. E questo fa sì che la realizzazione delle nostre reti crei un ideale ponte tra il progresso reso possibile da una nuova infrastruttura e le tracce del passato che ritrovano la luce durante le lavorazioni”.

Roma, 6 maggio 2021 – Due tratti di strada basolata romana, probabilmente appartenenti all’antica via Clodia, la strada consolare che collegava Roma con i centri dell’Etruria interna, sono venuti alla luce ad Anguillara Sabazia, nel corso dei lavori per l’estensione della rete Italgas. La scoperta è emersa nei giorni scorsi grazie alla collaborazione tra Italgas e la Soprintendenza Archeologia, Belle Arti e Paesaggio per l’Area Metropolitana di Roma, la Provincia di Viterbo e l’Etruria Meridionale, sotto la cui direzione scientifica gli archeologi, secondo una consolidata prassi operativa, hanno seguito costantemente i lavori di scavo.

Il ritrovamento è avvenuto su via della Mainella, a circa un metro di profondità sotto la strada attuale, non lontano da un altro lungo tratto dell’antica via Clodia conservato poche centinaia di metri più a ovest, in località Cancelli, e documentato già dalla fine dell’Ottocento. Una prima parte del tracciato stradale, lunga circa 25 metri, è stata rinvenuta sotto la carreggiata moderna nella parte settentrionale e si presenta in ottimo stato di conservazione. Sul basolato, infatti, sono ancora visibili i solchi lasciati dalle ruote dei carri nel corso dei secoli. Una seconda porzione di strada, affiorata più a Ovest, al momento è visibile solo parzialmente e sarà oggetto di studio nei prossimi giorni. Secondo il team di studiosi, la larghezza dell’antica strada era di circa quattro metri e mezzo.

Il passaggio della via Clodia in quest’area era stato già ipotizzato sulla base di dati storici e archeologici.

“Il rinvenimento di questi due ulteriori tratti – commenta il Soprintendente Margherita Eichberg – contribuisce a fare luce su quale fosse il suo esatto tracciato, andando ad aggiungere un ulteriore importante tassello alla conoscenza della viabilità antica e ad arricchire il variegato panorama dei beni culturali di Anguillara Sabazia”. “I ritrovamenti di Anguillara Sabazia – commenta l’amministratore delegato di Italgas Reti, Pier Lorenzo Dell’Orco – ci riempiono di orgoglio e testimoniano come l’approccio di Italgas verso i territori in cui opera sia costantemente ispirato alla salvaguardia del patrimonio storico e archeologico del nostro Paese riportato alla luce durante i lavori. Un impegno volto alla massima collaborazione con le competenti Soprintendenze, anche oltre il dettato normativo, con l’obiettivo di favorire il recupero e la valorizzazione dei ritrovamenti, creando così valore per l’intera comunità servita”.

Le evidenze archeologiche, opportunamente messe in sicurezza, sono ancora in corso di indagine, mentre i lavori di Italgas proseguono nelle aree non interessate dai ritrovamenti. Il progetto riguarda la costruzione di una bretella di circa 16 km che collegherà alla rete del gas Ponton dell’Elce, la frazione in cui risiedono oltre 600 famiglie, che a breve potranno usufruire dei vantaggi del metano.

In line with the Group’s strategic targets in the energy efficiency sector and in accordance with the recommendations of the European Commission, the operation allows to merge the forces, know-how and technologies of the two companies creating an operator capable of serving completely the public and private markets.

 

Milan, 26 April 2021 – The merger between the two ESCOs of Italgas Group – Seaside and TEG (Toscana Energia GREEN) – was finalised today, creating a national player in the energy efficiency sector.

The merger, which sees the incorporation of TEG by Seaside, is effective from 1st May and will allow the two companies to join their respective strengths, know-how and technologies, gained in different areas, offering service able to meet almost all the needs of both private and public markets.

Seaside, in fact, is more oriented towards the private sector and offers innovative energy consulting services in the industrial and residential areas; TEG, on the other hand, operates in the energy services market and has developed solutions that mainly meet the needs of the Public Administration. Together they will develop, in the first year of activity, a total turnover of around 30 million euros and an EBITDA of 6 million euros.

In this context, the merger between the two ESCOs allows the integration of two complementary businesses, fostering greater synergies and value creation. The new company will also be the reference for the whole Group in defining tailor-made energy efficiency projects, in particular in the context of Italgas’ participation in Atem tenders for the assignment of gas concessions, as well as maintaining a specific focus on energy upgrading activities also supported by the tax incentives (i.e. Ecobonus and Superbonus) and on the development of applications based on artificial intelligence.

“The creation of a national-level player in the energy efficiency sector – commented Paolo Gallo, CEO of Italgas – enables greater integration and more effective synergies throughout the Italgas Group to play an even more relevant role in the path of digital transformation and efficiency improvement of the sector that we have been pursuing since 2018. As well as being fully in line with the 2020-2026 Strategic Plan, this operation allows us to operate even more closely to the recommendations of the European Commission, which also assigns DSOs the task of promoting greater efficiency in energy consumption in order to achieve net-zero targets; goals to which the new player will contribute also by identifying increasingly advanced solutions in terms of environmental sustainability and energy saving”.

Milan, 18 March 2021 – Italgas has co-signed the open letter sent to the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, Frans Timmermans, for the recognition of the strategic role of blending hydrogen into the existing gas networks, in order to achieve the European decarbonisation targets and the EU Hydrogen Strategy released in July 2020.

The initiative was joined by around 70 European companies in the gas sector, including GD4S, the main association of continental DSOs, chaired by Italgas CEO Paolo Gallo. Among the addressees of the letter, in addition to Vice-President Timmermans, are Commissioners Kadri Simson (Energy), Thierry Breton (Internal Market) and Virginijus Sinkevicius (Environment, Oceans and Fisheries).

The letter emphasises, among other things, how the use of hydrogen/natural gas blends in the short and medium term can achieve significant environmental results at a lower systemic cost than by using only new dedicated infrastructures and constitutes the ideal formula for accompanying the progressive development of hydrogen supply on the market. In this sense, existing distribution infrastructures, digitalized and technologically adapted, are an important asset to provide hydrogen directly to consumers currently connected to gas networks. Moreover, blending allows for the immediate activation of sector coupling, providing the electricity sector with flexibility and storage capacity. Finally, the co-signatories highlighted the need for hydrogen blending to be properly recognised within the European energy regulatory framework in order to enable its rollout.

Italgas CEO Paolo Gallo commented: “Distribution networks are already the main driver of the energy transition. In terms of extension, capillarity and flexibility, they are a central asset already available and capable of both transporting and storing energy. It is therefore important for DSOs to be able to count on a stable regulatory framework that promotes and supports investments aimed at digitally upgrading the network, so as to provide Europe with an infrastructure capable of receiving and distributing renewable gases, such as hydrogen, biomethane and synthetic methane, which will enable us to achieve the right net zero energy mix“.

Milan, 8 March 2021 – Today Paolo Gallo, CEO of Italgas, and Frank Tudor, Managing Director of leading Australian energy infrastructure company, Jemena, signed a collaboration agreement aimed at sharing knowledge and experiences in distribution network management, with a particular focus on technological innovation and decarbonisation.

Italgas and Jemena are leaders in the distribution of natural gas in Italy and Australia respectively. Italgas manages 73,000 kilometres of gas pipeline infrastructure, while Jemena’s gas distribution network spans 25,000 kms across New South Wales. Together, the companies deliver gas to over 9 million customers across the two countries.

Under the terms of the agreement, the companies will collaborate and share information on:

• Digital solutions to transform gas networks into carriers and storage systems for renewable gases, such as hydrogen, biomethane and synthetic methane;
• Intelligent metering solutions, with a focus on next-gen smart meters, sensors and appliances;
• Customer experience, asset reliability and safety with particular reference to monitoring systems for the mitigation of fugitive methane emissions.

The partnership will also allow Italgas and Jemena to discuss their respective plans to develop innovative technologies, including Power to Gas technology. Both companies, are currently implementing pilot projects, in the South of Sardinia and Sydney respectively. These projects are testing how renewable gases can store surplus electricity generated from renewable sources, as well as the use of renewable gas in residential, commercial, and transport settings.

Jemena’s Managing Director, Frank Tudor, said today’s announcement is good news for gas customers in both countries. “We know Australia and Italy face many of the same challenges as we move towards a low-carbon future and believe this partnership will enable us to share insights, learn from one another, and ultimately expedite how quickly we can bring new technology to market. This is a great outcome for customers in both countries who want to be able to access gas – including renewable gases such as hydrogen and biomethane – both today and in the future,” said Mr Tudor.

“The digitalization program started by Italgas in 2017 – commented Paolo Gallo, CEO of Italgas – has produced immediate results, transforming the company’s DNA and elevating it to the role of a global benchmark. Sharing experiences with international partners is a great opportunity and is necessary to keep growing through comparison and positive collaboration. I am pleased that after European, American and Asian partners, this new collaboration with Jemena allows us to enter a new continent to discover innovative solutions and best practices. First of all the Power to Gas technology that we believe could represent a key asset in the energy transition process.”

Questa conversione fa seguito a quelle già completate di Putifigari (bacino 7), Berchidda e Ittireddu (bacino 9) 

Sassari, 23 febbraio 2021 – Da oggi anche Tissi è raggiunta dal metano. Medea (Gruppo Italgas) ha, infatti, convertito la rete cittadina precedentemente alimentata a Gpl e ha messo in esercizio un deposito criogenico di gas naturale liquefatto al servizio delle condotte, in grado di garantire continuità e massima flessibilità di approvvigionamento.

L’impianto, della capacità di 30 metri cubi, è composto da un serbatoio criogenico che contiene il gas naturale liquefatto a una temperatura di -160°C, dei vaporizzatori per riportare il gas allo stato originario, un’apparecchiatura per la riduzione della pressione del gas a monte dell’immissione in rete e, infine, un locale di telecontrollo per la gestione in sicurezza del sito. Per il collegamento del nuovo deposito alle reti esistenti è stato inoltre realizzato un nuovo tratto di infrastruttura di circa un chilometro.

Sulla rete di Tissi sono presenti oltre 200 utenze attive, circa la metà delle quali ha già completato le procedure per l’allacciamento al metano. Altre hanno sottoscritto la manifestazione di interesse e sono alle fasi propedeutiche. Questa conversione fa seguito a quelle già completate nei comuni di Putifigari (bacino 7), Berchidda, Ittireddu (bacino 9) e quella in corso di Urzulei (bacino 22).

Entro aprile, sarà la volta anche di Perdasdefogu (bacino 22), Usini, Uri (bacino 7) e Ozieri (bacino 9). Per questi ultimi tre, la Società sta già realizzando altrettanti depositi criogenici di Gnl.

“Grazie alle conversioni portate a termine e a quelle in programma nelle prossime settimane – ha commentato l’Amministratore Delegato di Medea, Francesca Zanninotti – sono sempre di più le aree della Sardegna raggiunte dal gas naturale. Parallelamente, come previsto dal nostro programma di metanizzazione dell’isola, abbiamo già realizzato nei territori in concessione 815 chilometri di reti native digitali dotate di sensoristica integrata e predisposizione per il passaggio della fibra ottica. L’arrivo del metano in Sardegna può fornire un importante sostegno al tessuto economico locale, dando nuova linfa alle attività produttive e creando nuovi posti di lavoro nell’indotto. Infine, non va dimenticato che la transizione al gas naturale rappresenta un vantaggio prima di tutto per i cittadini poiché, oltre a essere una fonte energetica sostenibile, garantisce importanti risparmi in bolletta”.

Attraverso Medea, società di distribuzione del Gruppo, Italgas è presente in 17 dei 38 bacini in cui è divisa la Sardegna, compresi i principali capoluoghi. Sull’isola, Italgas ha cominciato a operare nel 2017 attraverso l’acquisizione di diversi operatori e concessioni. I lavori per la realizzazione delle nuove reti digitali sono in stato avanzato in tutte le aree in concessione con l’80% di condotte attualmente già posate.

Activation began in Ussana and will end on February 17th in Villaperuccio. It involves over 6,500 potential customers in basins 26, 27, 35 and 37 adjacent to basin 38 in the regional capital.

Cagliari, 11 February 2021 – In the last few days, work has begun on the commissioning of a further 130 kilometres of native digital networks serving eight municipalities in southern Sardinia, included in basins 26, 27, 35 and 37 adjacent to basin 38 in Cagliari, which is also under concession to the Italgas Group.

These include the towns of Ussana, Nuraminis, San Sperate (basin 37), Serrenti, Sanluri (basin 27), Barrali (basin 26), Masainas and Villaperuccio (basin 35) which, by February 17th, will be reached by natural gas. Here, as in the other basins under concession, Medea (Italgas Group) has built new distribution networks equipped with integrated sensors for remote control, as well as preparation for optical fibres.

The networks will initially be supplied by tank wagons, while waiting the installation of the already planned cryogenic LNG (liquefied natural gas) deposits, which will guarantee continuity of service and maximum flexibility in the provision of methane.

In the eight municipalities, with a total of approximately 32,000 inhabitants, the company has already carried out approximately 5,800 pre-settings and collected 6,500 expressions of interest in connecting to the network. The start of distribution activities was also promptly communicated to the Sales Companies so that they could proceed to sign the supply contracts.

Paolo Gallo, CEO of Italgas, commented: “Sardinia is the main hub for a new generation of infrastructure set to change the gas distribution paradigm in Italy and Europe and enhance significantly the energy transition. This network, the most advanced in the Country, will also be able to accommodate renewable gases such as biomethane, hydrogen and synthetic methane in the near future”.

Through Medea, a distribution company of the Group, Italgas is present in 17 of the 38 basins into which Sardinia is divided, including the main towns. On the island, Italgas began operating in 2017 through the acquisition of several operators and concessions. The works for the implementation of the new digital networks are at an advanced stage in all concession areas and the intervention has already contributed to the creation of more than 600 new jobs in the allied industries.

During a meeting with Diederik Samsom, Head of Cabinet of the Vice-President of the European Commission Frans Timmermans, the Association representatives reaffirmed the strategic role of gas grids as a driver for energy transition, as well as the importance of technological innovation in monitoring and reducing greenhouse gas emissions

Brussels, 2 February 2021 – At their Annual General Assembly earlier today, GD4S, the Association comprising seven major operators in the gas distribution sector in Europe, confirmed Paolo Gallo (Italgas) for a second year as President of the Association.

“I am honoured to continue my journey at the helm of GD4S – comments Paolo Gallo – and I would like to thank the other members for their confidence in me. In spite of the challenges posed by the pandemic, GD4S had a very full agenda last year. During 2020, the Association was further strengthened, becoming the main representative of natural gas distributors in Europe. In the months ahead, GD4S will continue to promote the development and integration of renewable gases, such as hydrogen and biomethane, which are crucial to the energy transition. Thanks to their extensive reach in Europe, our networks are strategic and essential for the decarbonisation of the economy, especially in sectors like energy transport and storage. The Association also confirms its commitment to the control and mitigation of methane emissions through technological innovation and the digitalisation of the networks, key factors for improving the monitoring, measurement and mitigation of emissions“.

In advance of the Assembly, representatives of the Association met with Diederik Samsom, Head of Cabinet of the Vice President of the European Commission, Frans Timmermans. During the meeting, Paolo Gallo, Dan Pantilie, CEO of Distrigaz Sud Retele (Romania), Denis O’Sullivan, Managing Director of Gas Networks Ireland (Ireland), Narciso De Carreras, CEO of Nedgia (Spain), Catherine Leboul-Proust, Strategy Chief Officer of GRDF (France), Gabriel Sousa, CEO of Galp Gás Natural Distribuição (Portugal) and Leonidas Bakouras, General Manager of Eda Thess (Greece) highlighted the Association’s position on the strategic role of gas grids in the process of energy transition and decarbonisation of the EU, and confirmed the distribution operators’ commitment to mitigate methane emissions.

Diederik Samsom highlighted the importance of integrating energy sources and agreed on the long-term strategic role of gas networks in the process of European decarbonization. Gas infrastructures will be used to receive and distribute renewable gases such as hydrogen, biomethane and synthetic methane, even in 2050 when the energy transition is complete. At the same time, Samson reminded DSOs that controlling emissions and saving energy are key elements in supporting an effective path to sustainability.

GD4S is planning a number of important initiatives for 2021, including the development of a ‘Sustainability Charter’, to define the Association’s commitment to sustainability, and the publication of a White Paper, reporting GD4S’ positions on all relevant policy issues. The ‘Sustainability Charter’, will outline a roadmap with specific milestones for the fulfilment of GD4S members’ long-term sustainability goals, in line with what has been established by the EU for the achievement of a carbon neutral economy. The White Paper, due for imminent publication, provides a comprehensive overview of how gas grids can be strategically used to achieve EU and national decarbonisation commitments. Highlighing specific case studies to illustrate the actions taken by operators, it clearly demonstrates GD4S’ commitment to the European Green Deal.

In the context of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the Association highlighted the importance of establishing common guidelines for network operators to measure methane emissions occurring on their infrastructure.