Member states agree on general approach to revised gas package

Members of the EU Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council agreed on 28 March on a common negotiating position on two proposals that are intended to establish future rules for the functioning of the market for renewable gases, natural gas and hydrogen. The so-called gas package aims to facilitate a smooth transition away from fossil gases towards renewable and low-emission gases, particularly biomethane and hydrogen. Member states are expected to use gas to meet the targets set out in their long-term strategies and achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

This is a significant step forward for the gas sector and the development of the market for renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs), as this legislative proposal is considered a fundamental building block of the future hydrogen economy.

Swedish Minister for Energy, Business and Industry Ebba Busch considers the agreement among member states an important achievement that will shed more light on the currently unclear aspects of establishing market conditions for low-emission gases produced using renewable sources.