In a publication dated Friday 16 May (see EUROPE 12955/4), the European Commission has reviewed the ‘REPowerEU’ strategy, which aims to end dependence on Russia and accelerate the energy transition, following Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine.
On 6 May, the Commission presented the measures to be taken as part of this plan to put an end to the remaining Russian fossil fuel imports by the end of 2027 (see EUROPE 13634/1), in particular by terminating long-term contracts with Russian gas suppliers.
While the dependence of some EU countries on Russian gas, particularly imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG), is still a reality, the Commission is keen to point out that between 2021 and 2024, the share of Russian gas imports into the EU fell from 45% to 19%. Crude oil imports fell by 27% to 3%. Coal imports have been halted.
The Commission also points out that “EU countries that are operating Russian-designed VVER reactors [...] have made progress in replacing Russian nuclear fuel with fuel from other producers”.
It then highlights efforts in terms of energy efficiency and the deployment of renewable energies, noting that installed wind and solar capacity will increase by a cumulative 58% between 2021 and 2024. The Commission estimates that this capacity could increase by a further 16% by 2025, replacing around 16 billion m3 of additional gas.
“The simplification of authorisation procedures and the increase in investment will make it possible to stay on course towards the target of 42.5 to 45% renewable energy in the energy mix of EU countries by 2030”, the institution maintains.
To see the Commission’s publication, go to https://aeur.eu/f/gwc (Original version in French by Pauline Denys)