Considering Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, the European Commission proposed a blueprint for a plan to liberate Europe from Russian fossil fuels before March 8, 2030. The plan includes diversification of gas supply through higher liquefied natural gas (LNG) and import of pipelines from non-Russian. Suppliers, and the production and import of larger biomethane and renewable hydrogen; And, increasing energy efficiency, increasing renewables and electrification, and rapidly reducing the use of fossil fuels in homes, buildings, industries, and electrical systems by eliminating infrastructural barriers.
On the same day, the United States and the United Kingdom announced a ban on Russian oil imports to speed up the European Union’s plan to reduce its dependence on Russian power.
The commission said it was continuing its investigation into the gas market in response to concerns about possible distortions of competition by operators, particularly Russian gas monopoly Gazprom.
According to the commission, REPowerEU outlines multiple measures to respond to rising energy prices in Europe and to replenish gas stocks for the coming winter.
Europe has been facing rising energy prices for months, but now the uncertainty of supply is exacerbating the problem. Russia’s aggression in Ukraine has worsened the security situation in the supply chain and pushed energy prices to unprecedented levels, says EU Energy Commissioner Qadri Simson Says Europe has enough gas for the rest of this winter. But the commissioner stressed that the block must urgently replenish its reserves for next year. “The Commission therefore proposes that by 1 October, gas storage in the EU should be at least 90% complete. We’ve also outlined price controls, state aid and taxation to protect European families and businesses against the effects of exceptionally high prices, “said Simson.
He reiterated that Ukraine is part of Europe and should be part of their energy system. “We are committed to linking their power grid to the European continental grid as soon as possible. This will help keep the Ukrainian power system stable and the lights on. We are working around the clock to ensure the supply of gas, coal, diesel, jet fuel, generators and other fuels that Ukraine now has. I would like to thank the member countries for providing urgent and necessary assistance. Because the security of Ukraine is also the security of Europe, “said Samson.
REPowerEU will seek to diversify gas supplies, accelerate the roll-out of renewable gas and replace gas for heating and power generation, the commission said, which could reduce EU demand for Russian gas by two-thirds before the end of the year.
“We must be independent of Russia’s oil, coal and gas. We cannot rely solely on one supplier who explicitly threatens us, “said the President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen He called for immediate action to mitigate the effects of rising energy prices, diversify the EU’s gas supply for the coming winter, and accelerate clean energy transitions. “The sooner we switch to renewable and hydrogen, the more energy efficiency will be combined, the sooner we will be truly independent and able to master our energy system. I will discuss the Commission’s ideas with European leaders in Versailles later this week and then work with my team to implement them quickly, “said Von der Leyen.
EU Executive Vice-President for the European Green Pact France Timmermans He says it is time to address the EU’s weaknesses and quickly become more independent in its choice of strengths. “Let’s move towards renewable energy at the speed of electricity. Renewable energy is a cheap, clean and potential source of endless energy and they create jobs here instead of financing the fossil fuel industry elsewhere, “he added.” (Russian President Vladimir) PetniThe war in Ukraine demonstrates the urgency of accelerating our clean energy transition. “
To address skyrocketing fuel prices, the commission said it would explore all possible options for emergency measures, such as a temporary price limit, to limit the contagious effect of gas prices on electricity prices. It will also evaluate options to optimize the design of the electricity market by considering the final report of the EU Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) and other contributions on the advantages and disadvantages of alternative pricing systems to save electricity, without further disruption of supply and green change.
The full implementation of the FIT for 55 proposals will already reduce the EU’s annual fossil gas consumption by 30% by 2030, equivalent to 100 billion cubic meters (bcm), the commission said. “With the implementation of the REPowerEU plan, we can gradually eliminate the use of at least 155 bcm of fossil fuels, which is equivalent to the volume imported from Russia in 2021. About two-thirds of this reduction can be achieved within a year, EU completion. Dependence, ”the commission said, proposing to work with member states to identify the most appropriate projects to meet these objectives, based on the extensive work already undertaken in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.
Responding to the plan, Wind Europe welcomed the European Commission’s intention to completely stop importing Russian fossil fuels before the end of the decade. “Europe now has to tap into its huge wind power resources. Accelerating wind growth is the key to achieving energy security. And we have to do it with European technology. Europe must do everything possible to preserve our world-leading wind power supply chain. Accelerate permission, ”said the CEO of WindEurope Giles Dixon He called for smart wind auctions that contribute to wind power in a strong, resilient and circular economy and encourage research and development.
