- IEA identifies new strategies towards a lesser EU reliance on Russian gas
- A 10-point plan to reduce reliance on Russian gas has also been highlighted.
The International Energy Agency has identified pathways for countries to begin to take up in a bid to reduce the reliance on Russia for most of the member states’ gas supplies. This discussion comes up in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has led to EU member countries deciding to find an alternative means for their energy supplies.
There is an increase in the pace of receiving permits for the implementation of solar and wind projects, a diversification of the existing gas supply channels, and maximal use of the currently available low-carbon energy sources. The need for these drastic measures stems from an overreliance on Russia by EU countries for almost half of its gas needs.
The plan, therefore, is to reduce the demand from Russia by half of the current demands in the space of one year. The IEA further reiterates that “Reducing reliance on Russian gas will not be simple for the EU, requiring a concerted and sustained policy effort across multiple sectors, alongside strong international dialogue on energy markets and security.” The organisation’s report also highlights a 10-point plan to reduce the European Union’s reliance on gas from Russia.