The role of gaseous fuels in balancing the energy trilemma
On 16 December 2025, the OMEC, as Secretariat of the UfM working group on Gas, Emissions Abatement and Hydrogen (formerly UfM Gas Platform) and in cooperation with the European Commission, held its annual conference of the working group. The event, hosted at the historic Le Meurice Hotel in Paris, France, brought together over 80 industry leaders and institutional stakeholders from across the Euro-Mediterranean region —both in person and online— to discuss the state of the Mediterranean energy system and how gaseous fuels —including natural gas, biogas, biomethane, and hydrogen— may contribute to the impending energy transition.
Speakers highlighted the high stakes of the energy transition in the Mediterranean, a region warming 20% faster than the global average as a result of climate change. They explored challenges facing the region, including infrastructure needs, investment gaps, and how gaseous fuels have an important role to play in balancing energy security, sustainability and affordability. As the Mediterranean region transitions to a more sustainable energy mix, they provide flexibility and grid support while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Speakers also emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, policy support, and financial instruments to overcome barriers to clean energy deployment. The conference highlighted the need for balanced energy policies that consider both immediate security needs and long-term sustainability goals.
