By Jan Rosenow
Translation and Commentary by Werner Hoffmann in German
We need a functioning climate on Earth. –
What happens to Europe’s 2 million kilometers of gas pipelines when gas demand collapses?
After decades of gas infrastructure expansion, the demand is now falling. A paper by myself, Dr. Richard Lowes (Regulatory Assistance Project), and Prof. Claudia Kemfert shows the alarming consequences.
Skyrocketing Grid Charges!
As fewer households and companies use gas, grid costs for the remaining customers are exploding:
- UK: Network charges may increase tenfold
- Austria: Gas tariffs could quadruple by 2040
- Germany & France: Up to five- and threefold increases
Five Solutions We Propose:
- Integrated Energy Planning: Coordinate planning for electricity, gas, and heat.
- Accelerated Depreciation: Match infrastructure financing with climate goals.
- Avoid New Gas Investments: Focus on life extension, not expansion.
- Set Decommissioning Thresholds: Disconnect under fair, defined rules.
- Secure Shutdown Funds: Avoid shifting the cost burden to taxpayers.
Comment by Werner Hoffmann
Already on September 5, 2023, I wrote:
“Something no one has explained to me yet:
— Power lines must be installed everywhere and must be renewed or reinforced anyway.
So why do we need a SECOND or even THIRD #INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEM for #GAS and/or #DISTRICT HEATING?”
Read here
Also see:
This article from August 16, 2023
And this one:
Gas networks are being dismantled – those who fell for pro-gas parties may regret it
More articles: Click here
#GasGridCollapse
#EnergyTransitionNow
#FossilTrap
#OneNetworkOnly
#ExplodingGasBills
