European gas sector trade association Eurogas, plus a coalition of over 50 global organisations, have called on the European Commission to urgently address barriers preventing the import of renewable gases into the EU. The restrictions that apply come under the Union Database for Biofuels (UDB), which is a regulation introduced under Europe’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED II).
The UDB, introduced to trace sustainable gaseous fuels, currently recognises only EU-integrated grids. This means that sustainable biomethane and renewable gases from third-country, or non-EU, partners, including the UK, US, Ukraine and Canada, cannot be counted towards EU renewable energy targets.
Eurogas Secretary General Andreas Guth said, “The UDB must be workable in practice to ensure that it does not block crucial imports of renewable gas from third countries, especially at a time when energy security and decarbonisation are so critical.”
Those lobbying argue that current restrictions may hit investments and supply chain stability, particularly in the maritime sector, which is adapting to new FuelEU Maritime regulations aimed at reducing emissions.
Geoffrey Dietz, from the Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas, said the lack of clarity is “impeding the growing international trade of sustainable gaseous fuels.” He highlighted the importance of a clear recognition framework to facilitate transatlantic trade, especially in bio-methanol and bio-LNG.
Recent indications by the Commission of a possible exemption for Ukrainian imports have been welcomed, with Rafik Ammar, Policy Director at Electric Natural Gas Coalition, calling for this “pragmatic approach” to extend to other countries beyond the EU.
The coalition has urged the Commission to establish transparent guidelines and an interim recognition mechanism that can be adopted quickly while while long-term solutions are developed.
