IOGP on Energy Security Package

According to the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP), the European Commission’s gas proposals are a positive step in taking natural gas into account to deliver on the Energy Union’s ambitions.

“It’s encouraging to see that the Commission recognises the strategic importance of gas,” said Roland Festor, IOGP’s EU Affairs Director, commenting on the Package. “That said, the Commission should clarify the apparent contradiction between efforts to use more electricity and less gas in heating (even though gas is cheaper and more efficient), and a goal of promoting investment in gas. Investment will respond to demand signals,” he explained.

Gas plays a key role in the European Union’s energy system today. It will continue to be crucial, as the EU seeks to deliver on its climate goals while diversifying its sources of energy supply. IOGP will now analyse the package in detail.

“To live up to its ambitions, the Commission should, as a rule, rely on market forces – whether to shape investment in LNG infrastructure or gas storage, consumer choices, or in promoting greater security of supply,” Mr. Festor said. “The recognition, in this package, of the fundamental role of the market is important and welcome,” he added.

Functioning markets are however based on free competition. IOGP believes that the Commission's proposal for commercial information exchange covering contracts and other private agreements risks altering that spirit of competition, rather than supporting it. An integrated energy market will be instrumental in enhancing competition and strengthening security of supply.

Edited from press release by Angharad Lock

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquid-natural-gas/16022016/iogp-comments-on-energy-security-package-2507/