In 1968, MARCOGAZ was established under the French name “Union des industries gazières des pays du marché commun” (Union of gas industries of the Common Market countries). Originally, MARCOGAZ had 8 members from the following countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Austria, Switzerland and the UK.
To understand why MARCOGAZ was created, we must first go back to the creation of the Common Market or Marché Commun: In 1957, the signatory countries of the Steel and Coal Community (Belgium, France, Italy, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Netherlands and Luxembourg), signed the Treaty of Rome, creating the European Common Market. This common market was gradually established thanks to the creation of the European Free Trade Association (1960) as well as the Customs Union (1968), the elimination of quotas, the free movement of citizens and workers, and some fiscal harmonisation in the 1970s. However, free trade in goods, such as natural gas, and services remained limited due to the persistence of anti-competitive practices imposed by public authorities.
In the energy sector, the completion of the Union’s internal market required the removal of numerous barriers to trade, the approximation of fiscal and pricing policies, as well as measures on environmental and safety regulations. The aim was to ensure a functioning market with fair access and a high level of consumer protection, as well as adequate levels of interconnection and generation capacity. It was not until the 1990s, when most of the national electricity and natural gas markets were still monopolies, that the European Union and the Member States decided to progressively open them to competition. The first liberalisation directives (first energy package) were adopted in 1996 (electricity) and 1998 (gas).
During all these years, MARCOGAZ has become the technical reference for the European Gas Industry, monitoring and advising on policy activities related to European technical regulation, standardisation and certification with respect to safety and integrity of gas systems and equipment, rational use of energy as well as environmental, health and safety issues. It has always worked together with stakeholders and authorities to jointly contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions for the energy sector and ensuring reliable, affordable and sustainable energy. From the first president of MARCOGAZ, A. Henskens (Belgium) to our current president Liam Nolan (Ireland), the Association and all those who have been and are part of it have always strived to follow the values of Integrity and Transparency, Knowledge Sharing and Diversity.
2023
MARCOGAZ celebrates its 55 years
MARCOGAZ turns 55 in a context of decarbonisation of the gas systems together with the priorities set for energy efficiency and security of the gas system.
In 2023, MARCOGAZ counts with 29 members from 20 European countries, covering technical topics on gas infrastructure, sustainability, new gases and gas utilisation, particularly in the midstream and the downstream of the gas system.
2022
War in Ukraine – Energy crisis
The debate on the energy aspects is ongoing. After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the EU decided to rapidly phase out all Russian fossil fuels imports, introduce energy-saving measures, diversify its energy imports, adopt structural measures in electricity and gas markets and accelerate the introduction of renewables.
MARCOGAZ contribution during the crisis has been grounded on technical assessments aiming to ensure security of the european gas supply.
2021
Fit for 55
This Fifth Energy Package had the aim of aligning the EU’s energy targets with the new European climate ambitions for 2030 and 2050.
In 2021, MARCOGAZ restructured its technical groups to effectively deliver the technical insight required to meet the EU energy targets.
With the restructuring, MARCOGAZ changed its full name from “Technical Association of the European Natural Gas Industry” to “Technical Association of the European Gas Industry”, in order to gather all type of gases including hydrogen, biomethane and syntentic natural gas.
The corporate identity was refreshed to reflect the energy transition.
2019
EU Fourth Energy Package
This Package introduced new market rules for renewable energies and for attracting investments. This provided incentives for consumers and introduced a new eligibility limit for power plants to receive subsidies as capacity mechanisms. It required Member States to prepare contingency plans for potential electricity crises and increased ACER’s competences for cross-border regulatory cooperation in cases involving risk of national and regional fragmentation.
In 2019, MARCOGAZ delivered the named “MARCOGAZ Infographic“, depicting the readiness of the gas system to integrate hydrogen.
2009
EU Third Energy Package
This Package was seeking to further liberalise the internal Gas and Electricity markets and to provide the cornerstone for the implementation of the internal energy market.
In 2009, MARCOGAZ reinforced its commitment in providing technical solutions to the industry and policy makers on the mitigation of methane emissions.
2005
MARCOGAZ is registered as an AISBL in Belgium
2005 marked a significant milestone in the history of MARCOGAZ as it became a legally registered not-for-profit international association under the Belgian law.
2003-2004
EU Second Energy Package
Industrial and domestic consumers were now free to choose their own gas and electricity suppliers from a wider range of competitors.
1996-1998
EU First Energy Package
Aimed to gradually open the national Natural Gas and Electricity markets to competition.
1968
MARCOGAZ is created
The Union of Gas Industries of the Common Market countries (MARCOGAZ) is created in order to bring together the European Gas producers, transmitters and distributors.
25 March 1957
Creation of the European Common Market
The Common Market is created within the European Economic Community, with the aim of promoting the free movement of goods and services.