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Ten-Year Network Development Plan 2017 Main Report
6.6 Conclusions
In this edition of TYNDP, ENTSOG has significantly
improved the identification of the infrastructure needs
in a dedicated chapter analysing the needs along the
different pillar of the TEN-E regulation. ENTSOG has
also improved the assessment of projects. Introducing
the notion of advanced projects has allowed identifying
the benefits of a realistic further development of the
gas infrastructure. They have been analysed in regard
to the projects costs collected from promoters.
The gas infrastructure has progressively developed over the past decades. It is well
connected and ensures an efficient access to LNG in most parts of Europe. It also
builds on an impressive storage capability, which has proved its value and reliabili-
ty winter after winter.
The existing gas infrastructure is already close to achieving the internal energy
market. The FID projects planned to be implemented in the very next years will
further improve the situation. In terms of sustainability, the gas infrastructure of
cross-border relevance is fit for achieving the EU 2030 climate targets. It can sup-
port renewable generation. This infrastructure will gradually transport increasing vol-
umes of green gases.
In most parts of Europe the gas infrastructure complemented by FID projects proves
highly resilient and ensures access to diversified supplies. This diversification plays
a key role in promoting competition and ensuring security of supply. While most
areas benefit from a high level of connectivity, the full-scale implementation of the
Third Package would be required to achieve proper functioning of gas markets in all
parts of the EU.
At European level, the production of a number of fields is set to decline in the com-
ing years, in particular the Groningen field. While Russian gas and LNG could in all
likelihood close the European supply gap, preserving or reinforcing the European
supply diversification will require supporting the development and connection of
new sources. In addition to preserving Europe access to Norwegian and North-Afri-
can production, connecting Azeri gas and developing new indigenous production,
this would also require getting the appropriate support for the development of
European green gases.