EU Can Drop Russian Fossil Fuels Or Drop Fossil Fuels

Europe can lead the way through an energy crisis without more fossil fuels; Europe’s plans to get more gas from the US is at odds with its climate commitments.

Rebecca Leber, March 26, 2022 (VOX)

“In five years, European countries hope to end dependence on Russian fossil fuels, and by the end of the year, they look to slash reliance on Russian gas by two-thirds…[This] could propel one of the swiftest energy transitions in history...[But] despite their climate pledges, world leaders have shown early support for ramping up fossil fuel infrastructure…[T]he United States is not in the driver’s seat. European countries are the ones that face the real choice… [EU members] can boost oil and gas from elsewhere, or they can undertake the most ambitious transition to renewables and energy efficiency in history…

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Next winter will be the true test of whether Europe can survive without Russian gas because that’s when heating for buildings drives up gas demand…The EU is looking to other countries to stock up on that gas…But the EU needs infrastructure to process and transport all this gas, and the existing infrastructure isn’t going to cut it…[T]here are talks of two new terminals planned in Germany in response to Russia’s war with Ukraine, a sign that countries are increasing their investments in fossil fuels…This is hardly an energy revolution…[but new terminals] won’t be completed for several years…

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[Some argue it is] possible to cut the EU’s overall gas usage by 32 percent by 2027…[by] combining a clean energy expansion with accelerated energy efficiency efforts…[and] without extending the life of nuclear power or increasing coal use in the next few years…Governments can fast-track permitting for proposed clean energy projects offshore and on land…[and] double the rate of heat pump installations by this winter…The common thread of many of these solutions is that there needs to be more emphasis on energy efficiency…The US won’t lead, but Europe still can.” click here for more

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