Clean sources can replace two-thirds of gas imports from Russia by 2025 (101 bcm out of 152 bcm imported from Russia today), according to a joint report by the Ember, E3G, Bellona and Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP).
There is an urgent need to strengthen policy in this area. This reduction of imports can be achieved through the development of renewable sources, increased energy efficiency, electrification and the full implementation of the ‘Fit for 55’ package, it was announced.
The authors of the report argue that the security of supply and reducing dependence on Russian gas does not require the construction of new infrastructure for gas imports from the EU, such as LNG terminals. It is enough to import 51 bcm of gas from sources alternative to Russia, via the existing infrastructure.
There is also no need to extend the operation of the coal capacities planned for closure. The analysis also does not assume a change in the nuclear power shutdown plan or an increase in the use of biomass or hydrogen.
The European Commission has stated that the EU is able to end Russian gas imports by 2027 (details on this will be announced in May). The authors of the report indicate that their analysis shows that this goal can be achieved by 2025 with less gas consumption from alternative sources than assumed by the European Commission (51 billion m3 as compared to 60 billion m3).
“Native renewables offer an opportunity to escape Europe’s dependence on Russian gas. The European Union may become independent of Russian gas imports by 2025, which is faster than in the recently announced REPowerEU plan in 2027. This can be achieved by swiftly implementing clean solutions.” energy without halting the decline of coal or replacing one dependency on fossil fuels with another. Immediate action and a massive commitment from the EU as a whole are needed to achieve both the current Fit for 55 renewable energy target and the required acceleration of wind and solar energy development,” said senior analyst Ember Sarah Brown.
“The largest gas consumption in Europe is in the heating of buildings. Thermal insulation and the conversion of gas boilers to heat pumps are the keys to reducing the gas demand for these purposes. This will require stricter energy savings targets and more ambitious minimum energy efficiency standards. Funding must cease. gas boilers from public subsidies and redirect these funds to green heating technologies such as heat pumps. We need to quickly survive installing gas boilers in new buildings, ” added Director of European Programs at Regulatory Assistance Project Jan Rosenow.
“Investing in clean energy and reducing energy demand is a low-risk, high-reward strategy for the EU. In turn, new gas import infrastructure is neither needed nor capable of solving the current problems. Instead, it creates obligations and costs for the future. Serve the industry. which will shrink rapidly,” concluded E3G thinktank adviser Raphael Hanoteaux.
Source: Ember, E3G, Bellona, RAP and ISBnews
