Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has denied the possibility that the European Union (EU) will ban energy from Russia following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
“We need to discuss vulnerabilities in terms of Russia’s dependence on oil and gas. Today, we are not pleading to cut off the oil and gas supply from Russia. We need a supply. , It is impossible because it is an unpleasant truth. “Rutte Said During a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron. He added that the EU needs to do more for the “green agenda” and decarbonize the economies of its member states.
Rutte’s statement comes after the European Commission has announced plans to make Europe independent of fossil fuels by 2030. About 45% of EU gas imports come from Russia, with 45% of EU coal imports and 25% of oil.
According to the REPowerEU program, the resilience of the EU’s overall energy system will include increased imports of LNG and pipelines from non-Russian suppliers, increased production and imports of biomethane and renewable hydrogen, and reduced fossil fuels. It is strengthened by such factors. Ensuring higher energy efficiency, etc.
The Commission estimates that the implementation of the proposal will reduce annual fossil fuel consumption by 30% by 2030.
The plan could gradually reduce the use of 155 billion cubic meters of fossil gas, which is equivalent to the amount of gas imported from Russia last year. Two-thirds of the reductions can be achieved within a year, allowing the region to quickly avoid energy dependence on a single supplier.
“We cannot rely on suppliers that explicitly threaten us. To mitigate the effects of rising energy prices, diversify our gas supply for next winter and accelerate clean energy transitions. We need to act now, “said Ursula von der Leyen, Chairman of the Commission. Press release..
“The faster we switch to renewable energy and hydrogen, and the more energy efficient we are, the faster we can learn a truly independent energy system.”
Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson pointed out that Russia’s invasion pushed energy prices to “unprecedented levels” and worsened the security of energy supply.
Europe has enough gas to meet demand for the rest of the winter weeks, but reserves need to be replenished “urgently” for next year. As part of this, the European Commission plans to require EU member states to meet up to 90 percent of their gas reserves by October 1.
In the United States, President Joe Biden announced a ban on Russia’s oil, gas and energy, claiming to give Russia’s President Vladimir Putin a “strong blow.” The UK has declared that Russia’s oil imports will be phased out by the end of this year.
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Naveen Athrappully is a news reporter on business and global events in The Epoch Times.