Handover between Paolo Gallo (Italgas) and Narcis de Carreras (Nedgia) who takes over the Presidency of the Association

Brussels, 2 February 2022 - Today, Gas Distributors for Sustainability (GD4S) held its Annual General Assembly in line with the association’s Statute and By-Laws'. During the meeting, outgoing President, Mr. Paolo Gallo, CEO of Italgas (Italy), oversaw the handover of his responsibilities to his successor, Mr. Narcis De Carreras, CEO of Naturgy’s Gas Distribution operator NEDGIA (Spain).

The Assembly was also attended by Leonidas Bakouras, General Manager of Edathess (Greece), Denis O'Sullivan, Managing Director of Gas Networks Ireland (Ireland), Dan Pantilie, CEO of Distrigaz Sud Retele (Romania), Laurence Poirer-Dietz, CEO of GRDF (France), and Gabriel Sousa, CEO of Galp Gás Natural Distribuição (Portugal).

In his closing remarks, following a two-year term, Mr. Gallo recalled the main achievements of the association, including the reinforcement of its membership, with the addition of the main Greek distribution system operator EdaThess, and the effectiveness of its advocacy activity in Brussels. He also reflected on the increased scope of activity undertaken by the association and its focus on remaining at the forefront of EU energy policy debate on the energy transition, on methane emissions’ reduction, and on sector coupling.

GD4S further developed its strategic vision for the decarbonisation and future role of gas grids, through the adoption of its White Paper released in June 2021. In addition. its members collaborated to definea shared sustainability vision, with the development of a new Sustainability Charter, due to be released in the coming months. Part of the strong commitment to Sustainability is also the Joint Declaration on Methane Emissions reduction, published by GD4S in the first quarter of 2021, aimed at paving the way for other gas DSOs to follow a similar approach.

Under Mr. Gallo’s supervision, GD4S strengthened its ties and cooperation with other gas DSO associations (Eurogas, GEODE, CEDEC), collaborating to call on the European institutions to take the most appropriate policy measures to allow for the full potential of the gas DSO system in enabling the energy transition to be utilised. The cooperation was extended to also cover more specific issues related to the development of the hydrogen market, with the four associations, together with ENTSOG, part, of the Prime Movers Group on Gas Quality. Last but not least, GD4S is really proud to have joined, in the last quarter of 2021, the Ready4H2 project. gathering 92 European operators and aiming at at defining the role of gas DSOs in the development of the hydrogen market.

Narcis De Carreras begins his term in a very challenging period for the European gas sector, which will see the definition of the EU Gas Package, the Methane Emissions’ Regulation the revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and the finalising of the Fit for 55 package.

During his Presidency, Narcis de Carreras will continue to promote the role of gas DSOs in helping reach EU climate objectives effectively, strengthening the association with the appointment of a Senior Policy Officer, increasing its ability to influence by fostering collaboration between members and with other associations, and enlarging the number of associates.

GD4S remains committed to further strengthening its role as a key player, representing the voice of gas DSOs in the EU energy policy debate and providing a positive contribution for Europe’s energy transition.