Revision of the third energy package for gas and measures for methane emissions reduction

Key points

• The EESC welcomes the European Commission's intention to accelerate the transition to renewable gases, which is urgently needed because of continued climate change. Their use should be focused on sectors that are hard to decarbonise or when no alternative technology solutions are already available, such as the direct electrification of end uses.
• The EESC believes that different and restrictive requirements for the gas and hydrogen systems are unproportional. The potential synergies in the joint development, operation and maintenance of the two systems through common regulation should be realised. 
• The EESC underlines the special role of biomethane in developing a larger supply of renewable gas, for the circular economy and for regional value added. This would also benefit sustainable agriculture, by reducing GHG emissions.