The German Ministry of Economy and Climate Protection (BMWK) has started planning for the gradual decommissioning of the country’s gas distribution network to organise a smooth transition to climate-neutral heating for consumers and operators. The announcement considers the need to reconcile climate targets, supply security and economic efficiency as Germany will no longer need existing gas supply grids in their current form and scope (over 500,000 km), once it approaches climate neutrality (planned by 2045). The plans expect to secure a continuous, affordable energy supply for end consumers during the transformation phase, and to avoid rising network charges as the number of gas users declines in time.
Natural gas consumption in Germany dropped by 15% in 2022 to 83 bcm, following the shift to other energies, and again by 5% in 2023. Germany aims to reduce GHG emissions by at least 65% in 2030 compared to 1990 levels and to reach carbon neutrality by 2045.
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