Prospects
Proposal 1: invest in the development of bio-LNG, mix it with LNG
As of 2017, independent international experts provided some data regarding the high potential of bio-LNG in terms of decarbonization and elimination of negative consequences of climate change. The Green Deal adopted in 2019 sets out the goals of smart sector integration and investment in innovations. As a result, we consider currently underdeveloped bio-LNG infrastructure as an important field of scientific innovation and therefore we propose to political representatives and experts of the EU to give more consideration, financial and political support to the development and promotion of capabilities possessed by bio-LNG, also known as biomethane, which has been proven the be one of the most carbon-neutral fuels which currently exist. Since bio-LNG is underdeveloped, it can be mixed with LNG and its infrastructure in order to produce a more sustainable type of source.
Proposal 2: enhanced political dialogue and scientific cooperation on a global level
We consider the potential benefits of LNG for the tasks outlined in the EU Green Deal as highly underestimated, therefore it is recommended for the European Union experts to enhance scientific cooperation on the global level, with the active involvement of civil society and scientists, for instance, representatives of the Asia-Pacific region who have achieved noticeable progress in the research of the ways in which the LNG itself and its infrastructure can be used for the cheaper and more convenient production of hydrogen and other renewable fuels, for instance, through such methods as steam reforming of liquefied natural gas. Also, we propose to European community engage in the public debate on the topic and take part in various conferences and educational events which take place online as well, such as the Virtual LNG Global Summit which is expected to take place in December 2020 at the official webpage and will involve the global private sector and some European political experts. Thus, the full potential of LNG as a clean energy source is not fully utilized in the EU, and this can be done in the future via different ways.