By Michael Holder, Business Green.

Gas will "play a crucial role for many decades to come" in the UK's energy mix and can help to decarbonise heating, transport and industry, but clear policy direction is needed if the sector is to remain compatible with the government's clean growth goals.

That is the conclusion of a major new report from grid operator National Grid, which sets out its vision for the role of gas in the energy market as the UK works towards meeting its decarbonisation targets.

Published on Friday, the Future of Gas report emphasises the urgent need for "national policy clarity" and a clear strategy for decarbonising the UK's gas infrastructure.