Natural gas infrastructures in Southeast Europe vis-à-vis 2030 climate targets

Gaki, Eleni; Γάκη, Ελένη

Υποδομές φυσικού αερίου στη Νοτιοανατολική Ευρώπη αντιμέτωπες με τους κλιματικούς στόχους του 2030

Master Thesis

Author

Gaki, Eleni

Γάκη, Ελένη

Date

2025-09

Abstract

This thesis examines the role of gas infrastructure in the energy transition and coal phase-out scenarios in South-Eastern Europe, with a specific focus on Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, and Greece due to geopolitical reasons. The European Union (EU) and its member states are committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 through initiatives like the European Green Deal. Recognizing the need for tailored solutions, this thesis explores the potential of natural gas as a viable substitute for coal in power generation and its ability to provide flexibility to electricity systems. The analysis underscores that transitioning from coal to gas is the most reasonable and economically viable pathway to decarbonization in South-Eastern Europe. The region's well-developed gas infrastructure can gradually integrate renewable and low-carbon gases, thereby contributing to a fully decarbonized energy system across Europe. In summary, this thesis demonstrates that the gas infrastructure in South-Eastern Europe plays a significant role in meeting the EU's decarbonization objectives. The transition from carbon-intensive fuels to natural gas offers immediate and sustainable emissions reductions, facilitates the integration of renewable energy sources, enhances flexibility in the electricity system, and drives economic development in the region. The utilization of renewable and decarbonized gases, such as hydrogen and biomethane, will be crucial in achieving the EU's ambitious 2050 decarbonization targets.

Postgraduate Studies Programme

Ενέργεια: Στρατηγική, Δίκαιο & Οικονομία

Department

Σχολή Οικονομικών, Επιχειρηματικών και Διεθνών Σπουδών. Τμήμα Διεθνών και Ευρωπαϊκών Σπουδών

Number of pages

Language

English

URI

https://dione.lib.unipi.gr/xmlui/handle/unipi/18466

Collections

Τμήμα Διεθνών και Ευρωπαϊκών Σπουδών

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Αναφορά Δημιουργού-Όχι Παράγωγα Έργα 3.0 Ελλάδα