Gas in the Energy Mix

Secure supply for industry and households, enable energy transition

Germany is the largest economy in the European Union. The prosperity achieved, the high level of employment, and the many benefits of the social state result from a successful export-oriented economy and an internationally competitive industry. A secure and affordable energy supply is a fundamental basis for this success. In the current energy system, gas is a foundational energy source – and it will continue to be in the long term. A key requirement for maintaining this role is the transformation from fossil natural gas to renewable, sustainably produced gases.

Gas Remains Relevant for the Future

Germany has set itself the ambitious goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2045—five years ahead of the EU's target. New gases, such as hydrogen, its derivatives, as well as biogas and synthetically produced methane, can make a significant contribution to this aim. These new gases enable the long-term storage and transportation of solar and wind energy.

The use of fossil gas will become obsolete by 2045, with natural gas being replaced by these new gases. The German gas and hydrogen sector is committed to Germany's climate goals and is actively working to accelerate this transformation. The objective is to ensure a stable supply of electricity and heat for both people and businesses in Germany at all times.

By 2045, the industry will invest more than 80 billion euros in transforming infrastructure towards a climate-neutral gas supply – a tremendous effort for the companies involved. They now need planning security for these investments and supportive government frameworks. The availability of new gases in increasing quantities is essential for the future climate-neutral energy system.

The market ramp-up of these new gases must be accelerated in parallel with the expansion of wind and solar energy: by establishing production in Germany and importing large quantities of new gases from around the world. Moving away from natural gas will reduce dependence on existing supplier countries and build new partnerships that can be long-term, fair, and secure.

As the voice of the gas and hydrogen industry, we are actively shaping this transformation. We firmly believe that foundational energy sources like gas are indispensable for Germany and for the climate-neutral transformation of its economy and society.

In the course of the energy transition, the significance of gas will not diminish. On the contrary, alongside renewable electricity, new gases will form the second pillar upon which our energy system relies.

Dr. Timm Kehler, Chairman Zukunft Gas

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New Gases Ensure the Functionality of Germany

Gas plays a central role in the transformation towards climate neutrality by 2045. It is intricately linked with Germany's energy supply, economy, and industry. As a foundational energy source, it reliably serves all sectors of consumption, supported by the existing modern gas infrastructure. The 42,400-kilometre-long transmission grid and the 529,000-kilometre distribution grid ensure a secure gas supply to 1.8 million industrial and commercial customers, as well as to more than half of all households.

The industry, electricity generation, and heat market in Germany would be inconceivable without gas. While some portions of energy consumption in these sectors can be shifted to electricity, this is not always feasible or economically viable in many areas. Therefore, gas molecules will remain indispensable in numerous applications in the long term, primarily due to their unique advantage: unlike electricity, they can be stored directly and the energy stored can be released at any desired time and location.

New Gases

New Gases as the Basis for Energy Imports

New gases enable the import of large quantities of solar and wind energy from other regions around the world. Renewable energy is converted into hydrogen and its derivatives, making it storable and importable. Other methods of importing wind and solar power are very limited. It is these new gases that fully enable global trade in renewable energy.

The gas and hydrogen sector is acutely aware of its growing responsibility for energy supply security and the transition to climate-neutral gases. We embrace this responsibility and are investing in the future. It is now up to policymakers to create the framework that will allow gas and hydrogen companies to achieve their goals – ensuring a climate-neutral Germany by 2045.

Moving towards a Climate-Neutral Future with Gas

For decades, natural gas has been one of the most important energy sources for our country: 21 million households and 1.8 million industrial and commercial operations in Germany rely on affordable and available natural gas. We are now facing a major transformation: transitioning from natural gas to new gases such as low-carbon hydrogen, its derivatives, and biogas. In this new form, these molecules, alongside green electricity, will play a significant role in achieving the energy transition. This will allow the energy source to continue showcasing its many advantages – versatility, reliability, efficiency in application, and especially storage capacity – while virtually eliminating CO₂ emissions.

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