The European Commission (EC) is preparing a travel map to determine the dates of the European Union (EU) from the supply of Russian gas. This was stated by the European Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jorgensen as part of Tuesday (18 March) of the interview for the European editorial office (ENR), which also includes TASR.
Jorgensen admitted that at the moment he could not provide the exact date of complete deprivation of Russian gas, but he added that EC in a few weeks will introduce a travel mapand will take into account that it does not harm citizens and businesses. He appreciated that the EU has diversified gas supplies in the last three years.
“When the first of January It stopped gas transit through Ukraine, the markets did not respond very significantly. I know that there were some local price influences, but overall, the European market did not reach the price ceiling, as if it were a few years ago, “he described the situation.
The Commissioner stated that the action plan for affordable energy should save EUR 45 billion next spring, and this amount will increase every year. In 2030, the EU saves around 130 billion euros and is € 260 billion in 2040. On average, this means savings of 200 euros per household. According to him, this is important because today 46 million people in Europe are facing energy poverty.
In his words, industry and business groups welcomed this action plan and reiterated that it would lead to essential savings and reductions in energy prices. “They need the support of Member States. Without implementation on their part, we can’t do it,” explained. He added that if EU members do not implement recommendations, for example, in connection with energy tariffs, legislative measures from the EC are also possible.
He recalled that the European Commission is also preparing further measures – at the latest next year, it will present an action plan for transmission networks as well as an electrification action plan. The questions about the current EU and the US relations, also in the field of energy, Jorgensen admitted that both sides break up in views for the role of renewable resources and the importance of international cooperation in the fight against climate change. While the US is resigning from the Paris Agreement, the EU continues efforts to decarbonate industry.
On the other hand, the Union is grateful to the Americans for help provided during the energy crisis. The Commissioner stated that the US was the second largest supplier of liquefied gas (LNG) after Norway. And though In the future, the Union will consume less and less gas, and industry and households will still be dependent on gas. The EU is negotiating with different countries that LNG can supply, but it is not a large market, and therefore the US is absolutely key to Europe.
Jorgensen also confirmed that nuclear energy will be a very important part of the EU energy mix in the future. He explained that the nuclear power plants are now generating 99 gigawatts (GW) energy. It is estimated up to 15 years of age to 88 GW, and the mid -century will increase to approximately 100 GW. He pointed out that This data is based on the analysis of markets and considers the development of small modular reactors a great chance for nuclear energy.
“Part of my mandate is that I have to present the strategy of deploying this new technology. Now we are talking to different actors on the market to find out what is possible,” described the situation.
