Will Nord Stream 2 be the last great European gas pipeline?
European policymakers are convinced, the energy transition cannot rely on electrification alone. “Molecules” will be needed, but the new molecules will not be based on natural gas, and there will be a lot less of them
European policymakers are convinced, the energy transition cannot rely on electrification alone. “Molecules” will be needed. This sounds reassuring for the gas industry, but the new molecules will not be based on natural gas, and there will be a lot less of them. Gas companies are facing an “existential threat”, warns gas expert Jonathan Stern. Nord Stream 2 could be Europe’s last great gas import pipeline
Electrons and molecules: Experts increasingly see both electrification and various forms of gas as necessary for a timely clean energy transition
Fewer molecules: The molecules that will be around in 2050 will be very different from the ones around today and the total amount of all gases used in Europe will be much lower
Carbon-free future: Natural gas will have to be replaced with carbon-free alternatives. Biogas, biomethane, green and blue hydrogen are on the table
Key quote: “There may be a place for molecules in the future energy system, but that does not change the fact that the future will be much more electrified.” ...
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