Summary

• Natural gas can curtail greenhouse gas emissions (60% less CO2 than coal) but also of dusts and other pollutants such as NOx and SOx (up to 99% less than coal). Bio-methane has a neutral greenhouse gas emission impact...
• ... the natural gas turns out to be a substantial back-up and balancing source for development of renewable energy and electricity system.
• Gas infrastructure should be therefore considered as one of enablers of sustainable and swift transition towards cleaner heat and electricity generation, transport, industrial processes and residential heating and cooling.
• ... the principle of technological neutrality and flexible policies allowing for country-specific solutions must be acknowledged.
• The discontinuation of support for further development of gas infrastructure contributing and enhancing the energy transition will make it very difficult for many Member States to mobilise enough investment to cover massive needs for key energy infrastructure projects.
• ... it is of crucial importance to maintain EU support and financial assistance for the development of gas infrastructure through enabling framework, structural funds and investment loans.