Page 8 - FSUOGM Week 10 2022

FSUOGM COMMENTARY FSUOGM

EU’s Green Deal plans could replace

50 bcm of Russian gas imports

Europe is taking unprecedented action to reduce its reliance on Russian energy

EU THE International Energy Agency has outlined The 10-Point Plan involves refusing to sign
how the EU could reduce its gas imports from any more gas import contracts with Russian sup-
WHAT: Russia by one third within a year by boosting pliers, switching to green sources of energy and
The IEA has outlined how green energy and reducing consumption. taking measures to increase energy efficiency
the EU could reduce its The IEA said in a statement that the EU could and reduce consumption. Reducing space heat-
gas imports from Russia. replace 50 bcm of its 155 bcm of Russian gas ing by 1C is a major component.
imports while supporting energy security and The proposed measures are fully consistent
WHY: affordability. The measures are consistent with with the EU’s European Green Deal and its Fit
Europe is now serious and indeed would carry forward the European for 55 package, paving the way for further emis-
about weaning itself off Green Deal. sions reductions in the years to come.
Russian energy in light of The plans come as EU Energy Commis- “Nobody is under any illusions anymore.
the crisis. sioner Kadri Simson said that the EU would Russia’s use of its natural gas resources as an eco-
publish proposals next week on how to make nomic and political weapon show Europe needs
WHAT NEXT: the EU independent from Russian gas as soon to act quickly to be ready to face considerable
The 10-point plan as possible. uncertainty over Russian gas supplies next win-
involves refusing to sign “Reducing our dependence on Russian gas is ter,” said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol.
any more gas import a strategic imperative for the European Union. “The IEA’s 10-Point Plan provides practical
contracts with Russian In recent years, we have already significantly steps to cut Europe’s reliance on Russian gas
suppliers/t diversified our supply, building LNG terminals imports by over a third within a year while sup-
and new interconnectors. But Russia’s attack on porting the shift to clean energy in a secure and
Ukraine is a watershed moment. Next week, the affordable way. Europe needs to rapidly reduce
Commission will propose a pathway for Europe the dominant role of Russia in its energy mar-
to become independent from Russian gas as kets and ramp up the alternatives as quickly as
soon as possible,” said Simson. possible.”
“The IEA’s analysis outlines a number of con- The major political action in the plan is not
crete steps we can take towards that goal. It is signing any new gas contracts with Russia, while
a very timely and valuable contribution to our maximising gas supplies from other sources.
work,” she added. The plans also calls for accelerating the

P8 www. NEWSBASE .com Week 10 10•March•2022