Avoid using gas as ‘transition’ fuel in move to clean energy, study urges

Analysis says countries can save money by switching from coal straight to renewable energies

Countries should move from coal to renewable energy without shifting to gas as a transition" fuel to save money, as high gas prices and market volatility have made the fossil fuel an expensive option, analysis has found.

Natural gas has long been touted as a transition" fuel for economies dependent on coal for their power needs, as it has lower carbon dioxide emissions than coal but requires similar centralised infrastructure, and gas-fired power stations take only a couple of years to build. Earlier this year, before Russia invaded Ukraine, the European Commission angered green campaigners by including gas as a bridge" to clean energy in its guidebook for green investment.