Looking for alternatives – Ukraine stops exports of natural gas and domestic heating oil

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The Ukrainian government announced on Monday that it would not export Ukrainian natural gas, fuel oil or coal in the future. Martial law, which allows withholding raw materials, was used as an argument. Now you just need it yourself. At the same time, more and more European countries are trying to reduce their dependence on gas and invest in sustainable energy.

Many western countries are currently struggling with a gas dependency. For example, some countries did not pay for the delivery in rubles and therefore no longer receive Russian gas. In Germany, meanwhile, it was announced that the Baltic Sea gas pipeline Nord Stream 1 – the main connection for Russian natural gas – will be shut down from 11 to 21 July.

The background is planned maintenance, there have already been temporary shutdowns in previous years. The Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which is largely parallel, has been completed but will not be commissioned due to the war in Ukraine.

Stock in Spain
Support to reduce dependency could theoretically come from Spain. The country has LNG terminals and associated storage, which account for a quarter of the total European capacity. In addition, natural gas from Algeria flows through two pipelines. In practice, it should be noted that there are hardly any pipes to the north.

Construction of two new projects is under discussion, but could take years. Even before construction of the pipelines begins, there may be challenges: the approval process to be completed and resistance from environmentalists.

Off for gas heating in Austria
In this country, the Renewable Heat Act (EWG) is intended to reduce dependence on gas. It has been completed and is now under investigation, Environment and Energy Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) reported Monday in Ö1-Morgenjournal”. Notably, all coal and oil heating systems are to be replaced by renewable heating systems by 2035, with all gas and gas floor heating systems to follow five years later.

These goals must be achieved in several steps. For example, from 2023, gas heaters may no longer be installed in new buildings, although there is an exception for buildings that have already been approved and planned.

According to the ministry, there will be ‘ample financing’ for the switch. Several environmental organizations spoke of an “important step towards energy transition and climate neutrality”. At the same time, the voices of critics were heard. Important regulations on the gas phase-out are still missing and action is also needed to prevent energy wastage. “Renewable gas is not available in infinite quantities. We will need it where there are no alternatives, for example in decarbonising steelmaking or agriculture,” Greenpeace stressed.

Source: Krone

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