Hi dear friends,
Introduction
I am a freelance researcher about energy issues. Also, I am a master's student in energy and sustainable development in Turkey. This is my first post about energy issues on this platform. I want to write a post about energy problem between Russia and European Union (EU). The natural gas war between Russia and European countries is essential nowadays.
Source
I read an article about the European natural gas supply problem. This article was published by ome. OME is "the Voice of the energy industry in the Mediterranean area; a Platform for energy dialogue, cooperation, and best practices exchanges and a Think Tank of reference in the Euro-Mediterranean Region." I use some data from this article in this post.
Natural Gas Security between Russia and EU
As we know that, there is a war between Russia and Ukraine. I stay in peace 馃檹 I am so sorry for this situation. And this war spread lots of problems like energy supply and demand security. European Union countries import more than a third of the natural gas from Russia (400 billion cubic meter-bcm). Russia transfer 26% of natural gas via Ukraine. This percentage is big problem for EU countires. Any political problem between Russia and Ukraine directly affect EU natural gas security.
The other natural gas supplier of EU countries is Norway (23%), Algeria (12%), the USA (6%) and Qatar (5%). European countries need to reduce their dependence on Russia. That's why it needs alternative countries. Maybe the best option is supply diversification. If Russia gas imports cease suddenly, European countires need 100 bcm natural gas. Is it possible? In short time, No.
Source ome
What is the solution?
European countries were late in diversifying their gas supply. It was obvious that there would be problems because of Russia and Ukraine. It's happened before. The report included the recommendations of the European Commission (REPowerEU). According to the EC, Europe should diversify its natural gas resources, invest in LNG technology (liquefied natural gas transferred by large ships), increase investments in renewable energy and achieve energy efficiency.
I agree with these suggestions, but Europe will continue to buy natural gas from Russia. For example, Germany is the biggest customer for Russia. Germany is the backbone of the Europen industry. If there is energy, there is industry. Germany wants to buy natural gas from Russia. The Nord Stream 2 pipeline is the best example for this. This means that EU countries' natural gas dependency will continue for a while.
Conclusion
I can not say that renewable energy is one hundred percent solution, but I think EU countries should invest more in natural resources. More investment should be made to reduce the disadvantages (non-continuity, non-storability) of renewable energy. If European countries could use more renewable energy instead of natural gas, Russia might not be as strong today. Russia does not hesitate to use this power on Ukraine, Europe, and Caspian countries. Both economically and politically.
Thank you for reading my post. I hope you like it.
See you on next post.
