Polandâs proposal to reduce the EUâs energy dependence on Russia by collective buying of gas and maximising domestic production of coal shows a reactive, âsecurity-as-usualâ approach that is totally behind the times, writes Luca Bergamaschi of think tank E3G. According to Bergamaschi, the EU should instead improve its energy security by radically reforming its energy system, above all by improving energy efficiency. Studies show that Germany … [Read more...]
Archives for May 2014
South Stream âLiteâ shows it’s business as usual between EU and Russia
The agreement last week between Gazprom and OMV of Austria on South Stream shows that the EU and Russia will continue their long-standing energy partnership regardless of the crisis around Ukraine, writes Friedbert PflĂźger, Director of the European Centre for Energy and Resource Security (EUCERS) at Kingâs College London. According to PflĂźger, the mutual energy dependence between the EU and Russia should be regarded as a largely positive … [Read more...]
Leaked doc: David Cameronâs plans to make the EU fit UK energy policy
After Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, itâs David Cameronâs turn to seize the moment and promote a vision for EU energy security that neatly fits the UKâs own energy objectives. In a leaked ânon-paperâ seen by Energy Post the UK Prime Minister sets out what he wants EU leaders to agree at their next summit in Brussels in June. Cameron calls for energy security to be embedded in the EUâs 2030 climate and energy package, full freedom to develop … [Read more...]
You cannot compare apples with climate policies: why there is no Modelgate in Brussels
The European Commission has recently suggested a new greenhouse gas reduction target for 2030 that is perceived as too low by many NGOs. Moreover, some claim that the Commission has hidden the fact that higher emission reductions than proposed would lead to GDP gains. Brigitte Knopf from the Potsdam-Institute for Climate Impact Research argues that GDP gains are a very specific finding with a non-standard model and that emission targets can only … [Read more...]
Experts warn: the “Great European Energy Transition” can still go wrong
The EUâs great power transition â the liberalisation and integration of its energy markets and the expansion of renewables â has reached a crucial stage. According to three seasoned energy experts, the EU's energy project - one of the greatest missions ever to be undertaken by the European Union - has delivered some positive results, but it is also faced with mounting challenges - political uncertainty being the most prominent one. The … [Read more...]