GAS FOR ENERGY TRANSITION

IGU - Apr 23, 2025 - THE ROLE OF GAS IN EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN ECONOMIES AND THE PATH TO THE ENERGY TRANSITION

INTRODUCTION

Gas plays a crucial role in the energy transition by replacing higher-carbon energy sources and as a partner to renewable energy. As a cleaner, affordable, available and sustainable alternative to coal and oil, it emits significantly less carbon dioxide, which makes it a valuable tool for reducing CO2 emissions. Additionally, increased use of Gas results in a significant improvement in air quality and health through the reduction of dangerous pollutants like particulate matter, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.

Moreover, its ability to provide a steady and controllable source of energy helps stabilise the power grid as the share of intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar increases. This flexibility is vital for addressing the variability in renewable energy production and ensuring a reliable power supply. Additionally, existing natural gas infrastructure, including pipelines and storage facilities, can be adapted at low cost to accommodate lower-carbon fuels, such as hydrogen and renewable methane, further supporting long-term decarbonisation goals.

By leveraging all these attributes, Gas helps to eliminate carbon emissions during the transition to a more sustainable energy system and contributes to advancements in technology that will support a future of cleaner energy sources, human progress and global growth. The International Gas Union (IGU), as a global non-profit organisation, aims to promote the political, technical and economic progress of the Gas industry towards a sustainable global energy system. In promoting ‘Gas’, the IGU fully embraces the potential of natural gas, low-carbon, decarbonised and renewable gases (including hydrogen, biomethane, synthetic gas, and e-methane) to drive an even deeper decarbonisation of the energy system.

The Eastern Mediterranean (East Med) basin, a historic crossroad of civilisations, has gained renewed attention as a crucial hub for natural gas production due to its abundant reserves and strategic geographic location. In recent years, new significant discoveries of natural gas fields have been made in this region, notably around Israel, Egypt, and Cyprus. Among the landmark finds are the Tamar and Leviathan gas fields, discovered off the coast of Israel in 2009 and 2010; Aphrodite field, found in 2011 within Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ); Zohr field, discovered in Egypt’s EEZ in August; and the Gaza Marine field, discovered off the Gaza Strip in 2000. While regional players like Egypt have a consolidated history as gas producers, with the first discovery dating back to 1967, other regional countries have begun production more recently. Other countries, like Greece, are stepping up their efforts for offshore exploration.

Full PDF version

-----