Gas will remain part of the energy mix. The crisis has not changed that, says gas industry chief

The natural gas market has undergone a fundamental transformation in recent years, affecting all of Europe, including the Czech Republic. In an interview with Josef Kotrba, CEO of the Czech Gas Association, we discussed the current situation on the gas market following the end of gas transit through Ukraine, the future of natural gas in the energy mix, and the challenges associated with the transition to renewable energy sources.

How prepared is the Czech Republic for the end of Russian gas transport? What changes does the rise of LNG bring, and what does it mean for Europe’s long-term climate goals?

Let us return to the beginning of this year. A major event in the gas sector was the end of Russian gas transit through Ukraine. Did you expect this scenario?

From my perspective, until the very last moment there was some chance that a last-minute agreement would be reached. Historically, there have been cases where the situation appeared hopeless, but a solution was ultimately found. For example, during the most recent extension of the gas transit agreement through Ukraine. It is important to say that Europe’s ability to deal with similar challenges is now at a completely different level than it was in 2022.