EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen sees a “significant risk” of a gas supply bottleneck in the EU in the coming year. According to calculations by the EU commission, 30 billion cubic meters of gas could be missing by the end of next summer to fill storage facilities in the EU, von der Leyen said in the European Parliament in Brussels on Wednesday.
Three factors of uncertainty determine this, according to the head of the EU commission. First, there is a risk that Russia will also stop the remaining 20% of its gas supplies to the EU. Second, the additional liquefied gas capacities would not be sufficient to fill the gaps in the EU. Third, von der Leyen said Asia would absorb the bulk of the available liquefied gas.
Strong focus on renewable energy
The EU Commission therefore wants renewable energy to be approved more quickly to build a bridge until the new EU Renewable Energy Directive can come into force. According to the head of the commission, many projects could be launched in the next 12 months. She expects this to replace 14 billion cubic meters of gas, which would be nearly half of the projected gap for 2023.
The energy crisis requires immediate action and strategic foresight, von der Leyen said. The EU has achieved more than expected so far. Russian President Vladimir Putin has halted 80 percent of gas supplies to the EU, most of which have been replaced. The EU has nearly doubled its imports of liquefied gas from the US.
Putin’s “dark scenario” has failed
Some had feared a blackout, “this dark scenario did not materialize,” says von der Leyen. Gas prices have also fallen by two-thirds compared to August. “Putin has tried everything to bring us to our knees, he failed.” The EU is in a good position for the coming winter. However, the coming period for European gas storage will be even more challenging than this year.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
