OUR Pathway

At EPIF, we continuously strive to balance decarbonization objectives, security of supply, and energy affordability.

Our transition strategy

At EPIF, we are committed to transitioning towards a sustainable, net-zero future. Our transition plan outlines clear steps for each segment of our operations in achieving this goal. The primary objective when developing our decarbonization goals and emission reduction pathway was to ensure alignment with scientific principles and the Paris Agreement’s aim to limit global warming to no more than 1.5°C. To achieve this, we used recommendations of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)[1] as a benchmark for our emission reduction targets.

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[1] EPIF currently cannot seek SBTi certification as it is classified as an Oil & Gas Group by SBTi, for which SBTi dedicated guidance has not yet been developed

Role of gas in the energy transition

As a group involved in gas transit, distribution, storage and supply, EPIF recognizes that natural gas is a transitional fuel that will ultimately need to be replaced by renewable energy sources. Nevertheless, gaseous fuels will remain essential not only during the transition period but also in the long term. While natural gas is expected to serve as a bridging fuel in the near and medium term, biomethane and hydrogen are anticipated to gradually assume this role in the future. At present and over the medium term, natural gas offers several clear advantages: it provides a reliable backup for intermittent renewable sources such as wind and solar, supports the rapid phase-out of coal in both the energy sector and various industries, and contributes to energy security and system reliability – factors that are particularly critical during the transition to a new energy system. Looking ahead, existing gas infrastructure and demand can be adapted to accommodate low-carbon gases, including biomethane and hydrogen, enabling a gradual transition toward renewable and low-emission energy carriers. Even in a net-zero context, fossil methane may retain a limited role, potentially in combination with carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies.

Coal Phase-out by 2030

EPIF is implementing a roadmap to phase out coal across its district heating operations by 2030 at the latest. EPIF reduced its exposure to coal after it divested two heating plants operated by Elektrárny Opatovice and United Energy in March 2025 to the wider EP Group and focuses only on distribution of heat in these regions. In Pilsen, along with the heat distribution network, EPIF continues to operate the adjacent heating plants where lignite is scheduled to be replaced by 2028/2029.

Methane Emissions Reduction

EPIF is committed to reducing methane emissions in its gas infrastructure in line with the Global Methane Pledge, i.e. by at least 30% by 2030 compared to 2022.

Carbon neutrality by 2040

EPIF aims to end combustion of fossil fuels by 2040, eliminating CO₂.

Net Zero Operations by 2050

EPIF aims to achieve net zero operations in respect of Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 2050. This entails elimination of our methane leakage across the gas infrastructure.