The EU Plan To Get Off Russian NatGas

REPowerEU: A plan to rapidly reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels and fast forward the green transition

18 May 2022 (European Commission)

“…[The REPowerEU Plan comes with] a double urgency to transform Europe's energy system: ending the EU's dependence on Russian fossil fuels, which are used as an economic and political weapon and cost European taxpayers nearly €100 billion per year, and tackling the climate crisis…85% of Europeans believe that the EU should reduce its dependency on Russian gas and oil as soon as possible to support Ukraine. The measures in the REPowerEU Plan can respond to this ambition, through energy savings, diversification of energy supplies, and accelerated roll-out of renewable energy to replace fossil fuels in homes, industry and power generation…

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Energy savings are the quickest and cheapest way to address the current energy crisis, and reduce bills. The Commission proposes to enhance long-term energy efficiency measures, including an increase from 9% to 13% of the binding Energy Efficiency Target under the ‘Fit for 55' package of European Green Deal legislation. Saving energy now will help us to prepare for the potential challenges of next winter…[The ‘EU Save Energy Communication' details] short-term behavioural changes which could cut gas and oil demand by 5%...Member States are also encouraged to use fiscal measures to encourage energy savings, such as reduced VAT rates on energy efficient heating systems, building insulation and appliances and products…

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The Commission also sets out contingency measures in case of severe supply disruption, and will issue guidance on prioritisation criteria for customers and facilitate a coordinated EU demand reduction plan…The newly created EU Energy Platform, supported by regional task forces, will enable voluntary common purchases of gas, LNG and hydrogen by pooling demand, optimising infrastructure use and coordinating outreach to suppliers…The Commission will also consider legislative measures to require diversification of gas supply over time… A massive scaling-up and speeding-up of renewable energy in power generation, industry, buildings and transport will accelerate…The Commission proposes to increase the headline 2030 target for renewables from 40% to 45% under the Fit for 55 package…” click here for more

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