We are convinced that the ambitious objectives of the EAG package can be achieved, on the one hand, and can only be achieved if every potential – in particular the potential of renewable, green and decarbonised gases – is put to the best possible use. Precisely because the objectives are so ambitious, we will not be able to afford to give up one single appropriate component. Green gases – biomethane, synthetically produced gas or even hydrogen – are indispensable building blocks of the energy transition.

We therefore put forward our opinion that the EAG package lacks the essential provisions on renewable and decarbonised gases. This weakens the EAG and means that an overall assessment, including the so-called interfaces included in the current provisions, is not possible.

The law provides for an increase in electricity generation from renewable energy sources by 27 TWh by 2030. As a result, electricity production from renewable energies will increase by 50% over the next 10 years. With the addition of 27 TWh from renewable generation, the infrastructure must be expanded equally in order to stabilise volatility, or expand with it, otherwise network reserves and the security of supply would be at risk, which would have a negative impact on the population and for Austria as a whole.

Gas and electricity must not be pitted against each other in the development of energy infrastructure. Funding should therefore also be available for renewable gases, which will play a significant role in achieving the climate targets. Even in terms of technology neutrality, it is incomprehensible why renewable gas does not appear in the draft assessment.

Appropriate legal frameworks are needed to ensure that decarbonised and climate-neutral gases can also contribute to the whole picture. It is in this spirit that the following opinion should be understood.

Click here to read GCA’s position (only available in German).