The EU should phase out fossil gas

AirClim has published a new report analyzing the gas industry.

AirClim has published a new report (1) about the need to phase out the use of fossil gas as soon as possible in order to meet the climate targets agreed at the UN Paris Climate Conference in December 2015.

Unfortunately the EU has not yet adopted the energy strategy that would enable it to fulfil this agreement. One example is that in February 2016 the European Commission continued to promote fossil gas and proposed its so-called “security of supply” package, which included a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Gas Storage Strategy and a proposal for the revision of the Gas Security of Supply (SoS) Regulation. These include legal proposals on security of gas supply, requiring member states to help their neighbours during severe crises, and on energy supply agreements between non-EU and EU countries, giving the Commission oversight powers.

The EU said in a press release that the Union needs more gas infrastructure and gas imports even if it meets its climate and clean energy goals, and that an expected expansion of around 50 per cent in LNG supply in the coming years presents a “major opportunity” for Europe to improve gas security and resilience.

Climate Action Network Europe said that “the main problem with the gas documents is that the EU does not factor in the positive impacts of energy savings and the further development of renewable energy sources on gas demand”. “The gas package proposal fails to recognise that renewables and energy efficiency can secure Europe’s energy supply. It defies the commitments taken under the Paris climate agreement last December,” said CAN Europe.

Greenpeace EU said: “It’s like the Paris agreement never happened and the Commission is stuck on gas, dishing out a costly proposal that will keep Europe hooked on energy imports. It is high time Europe embraces the renewable energy transition. Only if it focuses on renewables and energy efficiency will Europe meet its climate targets and reduce its dependence on foreign energy supplies”.

One of the countries in Europe promoting the use of fossil gas is Norway, and its industry is planning to increase production of its own fossil fuels, including fossil gas. As one of the biggest oil and gas producers in the world it intends to expand production in some of the riskiest and most environmentally sensitive areas. In January 2016, Norway issued 56 new licenses to allow 36 companies to explore areas around the Lofoten Islands, in the North Sea and Barents Sea.

Brussels Airport is a symbol for the strong lobbying of Norway and its industry to promote fossil gas use in Europe. Passengers arriving by plane at the airport are bombarded with slogans at the gangways advertising gas from Norway. Hopefully the days of such greenwashing are numbered.

Reinhold Pape

About the author: Fredrik Lundberg is an energy policy specialist in Sweden. He has worked for many years as a consultant and researcher for NGOs and government bodies.

AIR POLLUTION AND CLIMATE SERIES 34
Phasing out fossil gas, By Fredrik Lundberg, Published in March 2016Link to the report: http://airclim.org/publications/reports

In this issue

A 1.5 target is needed to save the Baltic Sea

Effects of global temperature increases on the biodiversity of the Baltic Sea.

CCS in Norway – still a long way from the goal

The CCS project at Mongstad in western Norway was finally cancelled in 2013, causing sarcastic comments about “The Moon landing that failed”.

How to account for emissions of greenhouse gases from imported goods?

Carbon emissions have dropped in many rich countries, Sweden among them. Or is it just that the emitting industries have moved to China? A technical discussion is getting intensely political.

Member states opt for weakening air pollution targets

Compared to the Commission’s proposal, the relaxed targets agreed by member states could result in an additional 130,000 premature deaths by 2030.

The EU should phase out fossil gas

Sanctions missing for ship sulphur sinners

In the first year of stricter standards in the Sulphur Emission Control Areas (SECA) of the Baltic Sea, the North Sea and the English Channel, Swedish authorities took 441 ship fuel oil samples. They discovered 15 violations of the sulphur limit, but none of these resulted in fines or other types of sanctions.

New rules on emissions from medium combustion plants adopted

Despite a widespread agreement on the urgent need to cut emissions to improve air quality, existing installations are given very generous transition periods.

Cutting meat and dairy intake is beneficial for health, the environment and climate

Halving the consumption of meat and dairy in the EU would cut agricultural nitrogen losses by more than 40 per cent and GHG emissions by 25–40 per cent.

Sector targets for aviation and shipping wanted

In the absence of additional action, international shipping and aviation will be responsible for close to 40 per cent of global CO2 emissions by 2050.

Europeans still exposed to harmful air pollution

A new report by the European Environment Agency estimates that air pollution continues to be responsible for more than 430 000 premature deaths in Europe.

A new era for the debate on coal phase-out in Germany

2015 was not only the year of the groundbreaking climate agreement in Paris. It also marked a new era in political efforts on a more actively managed phase-out of power generation from coal and lignite mining in Germany.

Explaining vehicle emissions

A new report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) provides a non-technical guide that describes why, for certain pollutants, vehicles can emit substantially higher emissions on the road than official emissions tested in laboratories.

CCS sidelined by public opposition

In the EU, coal power currently accounts for about one fourth of electricity generation.

Need to decarbonise transport

Policies needed to stimulate behavioural changes.

Main menu

The EU should phase out fossil gas

In this issue

A 1.5 target is needed to save the Baltic Sea

CCS in Norway – still a long way from the goal

How to account for emissions of greenhouse gases from imported goods?

Member states opt for weakening air pollution targets

The EU should phase out fossil gas

Sanctions missing for ship sulphur sinners

New rules on emissions from medium combustion plants adopted

Cutting meat and dairy intake is beneficial for health, the environment and climate

Sector targets for aviation and shipping wanted

Europeans still exposed to harmful air pollution

A new era for the debate on coal phase-out in Germany

Explaining vehicle emissions

CCS sidelined by public opposition

Need to decarbonise transport

Publications

Food for Thought

Northern forests, climate change and the UNFCCC

EU climate targets aligned with the Paris agreement’s 1.5°C objective

Baltic Sea Offshore Wind Collaborative-Learning project

Air pollution in Europe and children’s health

Climate Change: A Himalayan Odessey

No further discussion needed. The agreed global goal is to limit temperature rise to 1.5°C

Fossil-free electricity 2021

What we do

Air pollution

Climate Change

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