The last minute of the Russian invasion of Ukraine was broadcast live

Germany announces “early warning” of energy emergency

German authorities have issued an “early warning” that the country could approach a state of emergency due to a lack of gas. The message is aimed at preparing the country for a possible power outage from Moscow.

Germany gets 50% of its gas, oil and coal from Russia. Economy and Climate Minister Robert Habek said Berlin was closely monitoring the changes that could be made to the distribution of energy due to the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and that supplies were guaranteed for the time being. “Nevertheless, we must take precautionary measures to prepare for a possible escalation by Russia,” Habek said.

Speaking to the press, Habek said the reason for announcing the early warning phase was Russia’s statement that in the future it would accept payment for gas and oil supplies only in rubles, or else the supply would be cut off. The minister also said that the announcement of the “early warning” also implies the creation of a crisis group, which includes members of the Ministry of Economy, regulators and operators of the German energy network.

After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin ordered that the price of gas exported to Europe and the United States be paid in rubles. “If you want gas, find the ruble,” the speaker of the lower house of the Russian parliament insisted on Wednesday. However, the G7 member states rejected his request.

The same week, German foreign and economic ministers reiterated the need to end dependence on Russia and move forward with the development of renewable energy to combat the climate crisis and ensure energy security.

“Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ‘brutal war’ against Ukraine, in addition to causing unbelievable and horrific suffering to millions, has” clearly shown that we must become completely independent of Russian fossil fuel imports, “the foreign minister said. Annalena Baerbock. For his part, Habek said that looking back on Russia’s energy dependence to get half of the gas, oil and coal it needs is “a little understandable.”

Habek assured that Germany is in a situation where “every kilowatt hour of energy saved is a contribution”, for which he says he wants the announcement of an early warning phase to be accompanied by companies and families calling for a reduction in consumption. energetic.

The early warning phase should state “if there are specific, serious and credible indications” that an event may occur that could cause a significant deterioration in the gas supply situation and that could trigger an alarm or emergency phase. The early warning phase may result in a warning level and an emergency level.

Germany emphasizes the need for independence from Russia and progress in the field of renewable energy