Europe: solar is one of the solutions for dependence on Russian natural gas, points out IEA

Europe's dependence on Russian natural gas was once again highlighted after the invasion of Russian troops into Ukraine on February 24th.

In 2021 alone, the European Union imported around 140 bcm (billion cubic meters) of gas via pipeline from the Soviet country.

In addition, another 15 bcm was delivered in the form of LNG (liquefied natural gas), thus totaling 155 bcm imported from Russia over the past year.

This is an amount that represents around 45% of the European Union's gas imports in 2021 and almost 40% of its total gas consumption.

The global movement towards decarbonization should reduce European dependence on Russian products in the long term, but what immediate actions need to be taken by the bloc to avoid a serious short-term energy shortage on the continent?

This is the question that many policymakers have sought to answer.

Investments

In a statement, the IEA (International Energy Agency) proposed a series of measures that can now be taken by other European countries to increase the resilience of the gas network and minimize difficulties for vulnerable consumers.

Among the measures listed by the international body is the implementation of new solar and wind energy projects, whose technologies, in the entity's understanding, would be capable of reducing the use of Russian gas on the old continent by 6 bcm per year – around 3,9. 2021% of the total volume that was imported in XNUMX.

The statement also highlights the importance of the continent accelerating investment in clean and efficient technologies as soon as possible. “The faster European Union policymakers seek to move away from Russian gas supplies, the greater the potential implications will be in terms of economic costs and/or short-term emissions,” highlights the IEA document.

Complicated task

The IEA also highlights in its statement that reducing European dependence on Russian gas will not be a simple task and will require a concerted and sustained political effort in several sectors, together with a strong international dialogue on energy markets and security.

“There are several links between Europe’s policy choices and broader global market balances. Strengthening international cooperation with alternative pipeline and LNG exporters – and with other major gas importers and consumers – will be key. Clear communication between governments, industry and consumers is also an essential element for successful implementation”, points out the AIE.