Energy experts Gowtham Muthukumaran and Javad Keypour from the Stockholm Environment Institute Tallinn Centre have outlined a feasible path to decarbonize the gas sectors of the Baltic states and Finland by 2050 or earlier. The European Green Deal mandates a rapid decoupling from natural gas, presenting both a challenge and opportunity.
Although natural gas is crucial for heating and essential functions in the Baltic-Finland region, the recent energy crisis and environmental risks highlight the urgent need for decarbonization. Renewable hydrogen and biomethane can replace natural gas, reducing CO2 emissions and enhancing energy security.
A new report outlines four potential pathways to carbon neutrality by 2050, with the cost-minimal scenario emerging as the most viable option, requiring an estimated €9.01 billion investment by 2050. This approach aims to reduce natural gas imports and enhance energy independence and security in the region.
The transition promises economic benefits, job creation, lower energy costs, and decreased reliance on imported fuels. The costs of delay are high, not just economically but in terms of environmental degradation and human lives. The year 2023, the hottest on record, brought extreme temperatures and storms, threatening livelihoods.
The Baltic-Finland common gas market offers a transformative opportunity to reduce gas demand, mitigate geopolitical risks, and align with wider environmental goals. Policymakers must act now to lead towards a cleaner, greener energy landscape, securing a sustainable future for the region and beyond.
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