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Utility companies: Not having strategy regarding biomethane is lack of vision
Romania should move in terms of green gas production, because it has potential, but currently there is no strategy regarding biomethane, according to the representatives of the Federation of Associations of Energy Utility Companies.
"We have 60,000 km of gas distribution network and potentially new production capacities, plus biomethane production potential, which is an easy decarbonization tool, using the existing infrastructure, without the separate investments, i.e. infrastructure investments. We should be unskilled, in the happiest way to say it, so that we don't exploit this matter. Not having any strategy as a country that still wants to be the biggest gas producer in the EU and not having a strategy how to maximize your infrastructure benefits, I think it is a great example of a lack of vision", said Daniela Daraban, the executive director of the Federation of Energy Utility Companies Associations (ACUE), at a meeting with the press on Monday.
According to the data presented by the gas sector operators, based on the estimates of the European Biogas Association and the European Commission, Romania should rank 6th compared to the EU-27 in terms of biomethane production potential until 2030 (2 billion cubic meters - bcm - annually) and in 7th place compared to EU-27 until 2050 (8 bcm/year).
Although there is discussion about giving up methane gas until 2050, for now it is considered a transition fuel, and Romania can be considered privileged from this point of view, because it will have the Neptun Deep project. However, there is potential for replacement with renewable resources, such as biomethane and green hydrogen, and Romania should move from this point of view, say ACUE representatives.
As far as green hydrogen is concerned, things have stagnated, including at the EU level, as there are still gaps in regulation and commercial aspects, they emphasize.
The Romanian Energy Strategy Project 2025 - 2035, with the 2050 outlook, emphasizes that, given that biomethane and natural well gas have the same chemical composition, biomethane can be used in the existing networks and facilities, without the need for specific adaptation theirs.