Get rid of Russian gas faster; EU comes with modified energy transition plan

The transition from fossil to sustainable energy in the EU must be achieved more quickly, says Frans Timmermans, the European Commissioner for Climate. The Member States of the European Union are still highly dependent on gas and oil from Russia.

The European Commission was due to present a plan for the transition to sustainable energy last week. But because of the war in Ukraine, the concept had to be supplemented with measures to accelerate the reduction of dependence on energy supplies from Russia. One of the proposals is to advance the construction of offshore wind farms. The full plan will be presented tomorrow.

Delta plan for the Netherlands

According to Timmermans, there is more than ever a need for ambitious plans from EU countries, especially from the Netherlands. “The Delta Works were once unimaginable.”

The Netherlands should start with ‘the low-hanging fruit’, says Timmermans. For example, many more solar panels can be installed on roofs, the insulation of houses must be improved quickly and more houses can be fitted with heat pumps. “The more energy you produce yourself, the less you depend on others you can’t trust.”

In addition, the Commission wants to invest heavily in biogas, and in particular biomethane. It must become a sustainable alternative to natural gas. It is produced from the fermentation of organic material such as sludge, manure and household and garden waste. The Commission wants 35 billion cubic meters of biomethane to be produced in the EU by 2030.

Need for gas still remains

Yet it is unrealistic to think that EU countries will be able to do without gas completely within a few years. More than 15 percent of the gas consumed in the Netherlands comes from Russia. In countries such as Germany and Italy, that percentage is almost three times higher. It is therefore important that agreements are made with other gas suppliers.

“If we wouldn’t get any more gas from Russia tomorrow, we’ll sing it out for a while. It would be difficult, but we can do that,” says Timmermans. According to the European Commissioner, it is especially important that the EU replenishes its gas stocks in time for next winter. The goal is to replenish at least 90 percent of reserves by October 1. In addition, new LNG stations are also being built in the EU for additional storage.

In addition, the EU is now consulting countries such as Egypt, Qatar and the United States to conclude new contracts. “The demand for gas and oil is now very high, so it is not so easy to find that market now,” says Timmermans. “But the countries we are talking to are very willing to make agreements with us.”

No more taboos

According to Timmermans, there are no more taboos. Countries must become less dependent on Russian gas at all costs. “I’m sure there are now member states saying: ‘We don’t want to use that gas anymore’. Then it could be that they will continue with coal or nuclear energy for longer.” If they temporarily fall back on burning coal, this does not necessarily mean that those countries will not achieve their climate targets, says Timmermans, provided they also choose to become more sustainable more quickly.

The Commission’s plans will not directly lead to lower energy prices. The demand for gas and oil is currently too great for that. The benefits can only be expected in the long term. Tomorrow, the Commission will make recommendations to Member States on how to limit price increases for households and businesses.

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