The European Union recently announced plans to label natural gas as a sustainable fuel in the continent’s energy mix as it seeks to both lower emissions while meeting consumer demands for power generation.

The move is part of the EU’s “taxonomy for sustainable activities” – a labeling system to determine which fuel sources are best prepared to help Europe meet its energy and climate goals over the next 30 years. Natural gas was included because of its ability to replace higher carbon-emitting fuels while still providing reliable energy for residents and businesses and supporting the move toward a lower-carbon world.

The New York Times reports:

“The European Union has drawn up plans to classify some nuclear power and natural gas plants as green investments that can help Europe cut planet-warming emissions, a landmark proposal.” (emphasis added)

In a press release, the European Commission said that natural gas has a key role to play to “phase out of more harmful sources, such as coal, and in moving us towards a more low-carbon greener energy mix.”

Read the full post on EIDClimate.org.