Decarbonising the Mediterranean region for a more sustainable future
On 8 October 2024, in Paris, OMEC, as Secretariat of the UfM working group on Gas, Emissions Abatement and Hydrogen (formerly UfM Gas Platform), and the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF) convened a joint conference to explore a more sustainable future for maritime activities in the Mediterranean. The event, held with the support of the European Commission, brought together key stakeholders to present, discuss and develop feasible decarbonization strategies tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of the Mediterranean maritime sector. Over 80 delegates, online or in person, from institutions and the industry from all the Euro-Mediterranean region contributed to the success of the event.
Participants addressed the urgent need to decarbonise the Mediterranean and enhance energy security. Net-zero targets can only be achieved through a holistic view of energy systems, and strategic and regulatory alignment across the Mediterranean. A combined policy and technology approach emerged as essential. Insightful presentations and discussions indicated that while consumption of petroleum products will likely constitute majority of maritime fuel consumption, LNG seems the most viable option to decarbonise the shipping sector in the short to mid-term. Afterwards, low/zero carbon fuels mainly driven by ammonia, methanol and other synthetic fuels will likely gain traction and dominate maritime energy use.
Nonetheless, significant challenges persist, including competition for alternative fuels among different transport modes and the need for substantial investment in infrastructure. Regional cooperation was a frequent theme of the discussions. The upcoming establishment of a dedicated Directorate-General for the Mediterranean at the European Commission will facilitate a trans-Mediterranean energy and green technology pact in this collaborative spirit.
