Gaszonder

Gaszonder is a term used to describe strategies and technologies aimed at eliminating the use of natural gas in energy systems, particularly for heating and cooking, in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Etymology and usage: The word combines gas and zonder, Dutch for without, and is used mainly in European policy discourse to describe a transition pathway toward gas-free buildings and industry. It is not a single technology but a family of approaches.

Scope and methods: Gaszonder encompasses electrification of heating through heat pumps, improved building insulation, and the use of district heating, often powered by low-carbon electricity. It also includes the deployment of renewable energy sources, solar thermal, and, in some interpretations, the use of green or renewable gases created to replace fossil natural gas, as long as fossil gas is not consumed.

Technologies: Heat pumps (air-source and ground-source), electric induction cooking, energy-efficient appliances, smart controls, and retrofits; district heating networks; and, where appropriate, hydrogen-ready appliances or renewable gas pipelines that do not deploy fossil methane.

Policy and challenges: Implementation relies on policies such as building codes, subsidies, and grid upgrades. Benefits include reduced emissions and better air quality; challenges include high upfront costs, the need for grid capacity, and ensuring reliable supply of low-carbon electricity.

Global status: Nations and cities across Europe and beyond have adopted gas-free or gas-net-zero targets for new buildings or renovations, though timelines and definitions vary. The concept remains evolving as technologies and policies develop.