Natural gas consumption could fall by 30% by 2035, according to GRDF

The European Commission estimates that natural gas consumption in France fell by 22% between August 2022 and May 2024. However, according to GRDF, gas consumption in France could continue to fall by almost 30% between now and 2035, from 399 TWh in 2023 to 282 TWh in 2035. The trajectory worked out by GRDF is in line with the European objectives of the fit for 55 plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030. Consumption could fall by 34% among residential customers, 38% in electricity generation and 42% in offices and public buildings. By contrast, the fall would be smaller in industry (-25%). Industrial relocations and slower growth in renewable energies could lead to higher gas consumption than the 282 TWh forecast. The fall in consumption is already affecting the utilisation rate of gas infrastructures. The utilisation rate for France's LNG terminals has fallen below 50% this year. Biomethane and low-carbon gases could account for 40-45% of consumption by 2035, to cover all domestic gas needs by 2050.