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The energy sector faces mounting challenges, from decarbonization mandates to evolving geopolitical landscapes. At a recent NextGrid Alliance Working Group session on “How Gas Will Work: Global Vision and Strategy,” industry leaders gathered to explore the future of gas in a transforming energy environment. 

More than 40 utilities participated in the meeting of the NGA's Integrated Energy Planning  working group. The session highlighted how innovation, collaboration, and cutting-edge technologies are reshaping the gas industry’s role in the global energy transition. 

Insights from the NextGrid Alliance

Walter Fromm, Vice President of Gas Asset Management and Engineering at National Grid, opened the session by highlighting the company's commitment to maintaining a safe, reliable, and affordable natural gas network for nearly 1 million customers. 

He also discussed the important work National Grid does with public officials in support of Massachusetts' energy transition goals. A centerpiece of the company's strategy is the Climate Compliance Plan, which includes: 

Non-pipeline alternatives to reduce emissions 

Targeted electrification programs integrated with energy planning 

Network geothermal systems and low-carbon fuel initiatives 

National Grid’s Climate Compliance Plan was filed April 1, 2025 and is currently under review with the state Department of Public Utilities.  

National Grid: Safe and Reliable Service in Massachusetts  

Pradheep Kileti presented National Grid's renewable natural gas (RNG) projects, including a flagship initiative at New York City’s largest wastewater treatment plant. In the last fiscal year alone, the project produced 271,562 dekatherms of RNG -- which reduced natural gas emissions by the equivalent of removing 8,700 cars from the road or planting 600,000 trees.

National Grid’s $50 million investment in RNG interconnections is enabling partnerships with developers to broaden the scope of renewable initiatives. 

Renewable Natural Gas Advancements 

Jason Wolfe, Director of Energy Solutions at Canada's FortisBC, shared insights into his utility's renewable gas program. Roughly 2% of the gas it delivers to customers is now renewable, with plans to increase this to 3%. 

Fortis BC holds contracts for 18 million gigajoules of renewable gas, positioning it as one of North America’s largest buyers. Despite affordability challenges, Wolfe said the company is exploring hybrid systems and advanced technologies to meet customer demand sustainably. 

Expanding Renewable Gas Programs

Marion Carroz, Head of Strategy for ENGIE GBU Networks, discussed how geopolitical changes can shift the flow of natural gas. Events like the war in Ukraine, for example, have led ENGIE and other European utilities to increase reliance on liquefied natural gas (LNG). The U.S., she said, is becoming one of Europe’s primary suppliers 

Another key trend Carroz cited was a halt to gas imports from Russia and a shift from East-West gas flows to West-East flows. French storage and re-gasification capacities, she added,  are now fully utilized. 

ENGIE also is spearheading the development of dedicated hydrogen transmission pipelines and CO2 sequestration infrastructure. These projects aim to complement Europe’s decarbonization goals and support the integration of emerging technologies. 

Evolving Gas Infrastructure in Europe

The NGA session underscored the transformative role of gas in achieving a sustainable energy future. Highlights include: 

National Grid’s leadership in deploying RNG to achieve significant emission reductions 

Fortis BC’s ambitious renewable gas program 

ENGIE’s efforts to build next-generation hydrogen and CO2 infrastructure 

As the energy landscape evolves, initiatives like these demonstrate the industry’s commitment to innovation and collaboration. The future of gas is not just about maintaining reliability—it’s about redefining its role in a cleaner, more sustainable world. 

Key Takeaways

Xena Li is Strategic Relationship Principal at National Grid Partners