Europe’s Gas Power Expansion Threatens Climate Goals, Report Warns

80 GW of New Gas Plants Risk Undermining Decarbonisation Commitments

A new report by Beyond Fossil Fuels raises concerns over Europe’s growing reliance on gas-fired power, with several nations planning to add 80 GW of new gas capacity by 2030. This represents a 32% increase in Europe’s current gas power infrastructure, casting doubt on the EU’s ability to meet climate commitments.

The report warns that building new gas power plants contradicts the urgent need to decarbonize Europe’s energy sector and achieve net-zero emissions. If these plans proceed, Europe may become locked into fossil fuel dependency for decades.

Key Gas-Dependent Nations: Italy, UK, and Germany Lead Expansion Plans

These Countries Account for Half of New Gas Power Capacity

Italy, the UK, and Germany, the three largest gas consumers in Europe, are responsible for 45% of Europe’s existing gas-fired power generation. Despite pledges to decarbonize their energy sectors, they plan to increase gas power production substantially.

The UK, for instance, has committed to achieve a clean power system by 2030, yet has no clear phase-out strategy for gas plants. Beyond Fossil Fuels argues that these expansions contradict climate targets and may delay the transition to renewable energy.

Eastern Europe Expands Gas Power Despite EU Energy Policy Goals

Poland, Romania, and Bulgaria Increasing Gas Plant Capacity

Several Eastern European nations are also expanding their gas power production. Poland, Romania, and Bulgaria plan to increase gas plant capacity from 9 GW to 24 GW, with EU modernization funds partially financing the projects.

While these investments are labeled as efforts to modernize power systems, Beyond Fossil Fuels warns that such projects could undermine the EU’s renewable energy goals. Expanding gas infrastructure could delay investments in wind, solar, and battery storage, increasing reliance on imported fossil fuels.

Underinvestment in Renewables Threatens Energy Transition

Funds Diverted from Clean Energy Solutions to Gas Infrastructure

The report highlights a lack of investment in key renewable energy infrastructure, such as:

• Electricity grids

• Energy storage

• Clean energy technologies

Instead, billions of euros are being allocated toward gas exploration, extraction, and pipeline expansion. This trend may slow the deployment of renewable energy, making it harder for Europe to achieve a low-carbon energy system.

Europe’s Energy Future: A Race Against Climate Deadlines

Urgent Action Needed to Achieve Net-Zero Targets by 2050

In 2023, fossil gas accounted for 24% of Europe’s electricity generation, with only a handful of countries, such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, operating without gas plants.

According to the Beyond Fossil Fuels database, only four gas power plants have been retired since January 2023. Meanwhile, only seven plants are officially scheduled for closure by 2035—a deadline by which the International Energy Agency (IEA) urges developed nations to fully decarbonize.

Without significant shifts in investment priorities, Europe risks failing to meet climate targets and delaying its transition to renewable energy.