The next decade is a critical one for gas infrastructure. Short-term decisions on whether to invest in gas grids will have major long-term implications. Questions about the relative importance, and respective roles, of electricity and gas networks are central to the design of energy transitions to a low emissions future. Low-carbon electricity has huge potential to play a greater direct role in future energy systems, but there are limits to how quickly and extensively electrification can occur. Wellestablished gas grids can deliver twice as much energy as electricity grids today and they are a major source of flexibility. Decisions on the future of gas networks need to consider their potential to deliver different types of gas in a low emissions future, as well as their role in ensuring energy security.

The global offshore wind market grew nearly 30% per year between 2010 and 2018. Europe has fostered the technology’s development, led by the United Kingdom, Germany and Denmark. The United Kingdom and Germany currently have the largest offshore wind capacity in operation, while Denmark produced 15% of its electricity from offshore wind in 2018. China added more capacity than any other country in 2018. Offshore wind is set to pick up the pace of growth, with about 150 new projects scheduled to be completed over the next five years around the world.