Gas Distributors for Sustainability welcomes new President

Gas Networks Ireland’s  Chief Operating Officer, Denis O’Sullivan, this week attended the Gas Distributors for Sustainability (GD4S) Annual General Assembly.

Mr O’Sullivan joined European gas Distribution System Operators (DSOs) from France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Romania and Spain for the assembly which took time to reflect on the successful two-year term of outgoing GD4S President, Paolo Gallo, CEO of Italgas (Italy).

In his closing remarks, Mr Gallo recalled the main achievements of the association, including the reinforcement of its membership, with the addition of the main Greek distribution system operator EdaThess.  He also reflected on the increased scope of activity undertaken by the association and its focus on remaining at the forefront of the EU energy policy debate on the energy transition, on methane emissions’ reduction, and on sector coupling.

GD4S further developed its strategic vision for the decarbonisation and future role of gas grids, through the adoption of its White Paper released in June 2021. In addition, its members collaborated to define a shared sustainability vision, with the development of a new Sustainability Charter, due to be released in the coming months.

Part of the strong commitment to sustainability is also the Joint Declaration on Methane Emissions’ reduction, published by GD4S in the first quarter of 2021, aimed at paving the way for other gas DSOs to follow a similar approach.

Under Mr Gallo’s leadership, GD4S strengthened its ties and cooperation with other gas DSO associations (Eurogas, GEODE, CEDEC), collaborating to call on the European institutions to take the most appropriate policy measures to allow for the full potential of the gas DSO system in enabling the energy transition to be utilised.

The cooperation was also extended to cover more specific issues related to the development of the hydrogen market, with the four associations, together with European Network of Transmission System Operators for Gas (ENTSOG), part of the Prime Movers Group on Gas Quality.

In the last quarter of 2021, GD4S joined the Ready4H2 project, the union of 92 European operators focused on defining the role of gas DSOs in the development of the hydrogen market.

Incoming president, Narcís De Carreras, CEO of Naturgy’s Gas Distribution operator NEDGIA (Spain) begins his term in a very challenging period for the European gas sector, which will see the definition of the EU Gas Package, the Methane Emissions’ Regulation, the revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and the finalising of the ‘Fit for 55’ package.

During his Presidency, Mr De Carreras will continue to promote the role of gas DSOs in helping reach EU climate objectives effectively, strengthening the association with the appointment of a Senior Policy Officer, increasing its ability to influence by fostering collaboration between members and with other associations, and enlarging the number of associates.

GD4S remains committed to further strengthening its role as a key player, representing the voice of gas DSOs in the EU energy policy debate and providing a positive contribution for Europe’s energy transition.