Share this on social media
The west can cut its energy dependency on Russia and be greener
(The Guardian, 3 May 2022) The Ukraine war has focused minds on win-win policies from ending coal and oil subsidies to raising petrol taxes on petrol.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has amplified the importance of national-security considerations in western countries’ energy policies. At the same time, governments must continue to focus on reducing environmental damage – in particular, on cutting greenhouse-gas emissions. Both goals, geopolitical and environmental, are urgent and should be evaluated together.
These two objectives are not necessarily in conflict, as some believe. There are plenty of energy measures the west can adopt that would benefit the environment and further its geopolitical aims. The most obvious steps, especially for the European Union, are sanctions that reduce demand for imports of fossil fuels from Russia.
A review of different areas of energy policy reveals further options. Here, I emphasise the dos and don’ts that seem to be clear win-win choices, as opposed to policy decisions where tradeoffs are acute and reasonable observers may disagree.
External link
The Guardian, 3 May 2022: The west can cut its energy dependency on Russia and be greener
More Related News
energy security
19 Apr 2024: The Letta report: What’s in the box for Europe’s energy sector
12 Apr 2024: Shift to hydrogen networks: EU Parliament adopts laws for new gas era
2 Apr 2024: Romania’s pretext for not taking steps to reduce energy consumption slammed
12 Mar 2024: Europe’s mild winter leaves gas stocks at record high
4 Mar 2024: EU lawmaker alliance calls for ban on all Russian energy, including gas
1 Mar 2024: High time for a fifth fundamental European freedom: energy
1 Mar 2024: Gas consumption in France down 20% from 2021 levels
20 Feb 2024: Beggars can’t be choosers – Europe needs to smarten up its energy security
18 Jan 2024: EU economy still grappling with long tail of 2022 energy shock
18 Jan 2024: EU economy still grappling with long tail of 2022 energy shock
14 Nov 2023: Construction starts on electricity link between France, Ireland
30 Oct 2023: German chancellor Scholz turns to Nigeria for new gas and hydrogen partnerships
10 Oct 2023: Ed Miliband to announce Labour plan to boost energy independence and cut bills
10 Oct 2023: France’s energy import bill tripled in three years, official statistics show
24 Aug 2023: German energy industry allays supply fears for coming winter – media
22 Aug 2023: Brussels cheers 90% filled gas storages across Europe
25 May 2023: Invasion of Ukraine ‘has fuelled funding boom for clean energy’
16 May 2023: Interest in French-led nuclear alliance gathers momentum
5 May 2023: Europe can halve fossil gas use by 2030 without risk to supply security – think tank
18 Apr 2023: Germany pushes for nuclear energy in EU’s next Russia sanctions package
28 Feb 2023: Energy battle won, but fight not over, says EU energy chief
21 Feb 2023: Russian gas out, renewables in? Europe clings to green goals
16 Dec 2022: Commission President: EU Sovereignty Fund will be proposed in summer
16 Dec 2022: Strong action on methane will mean more EU energy security
21 Oct 2022: EU saved €11 billion in gas imports thanks to solar and wind: report
11 Oct 2022: EU report flags ‘crucial role’ of bioeconomy for energy and food security
3 Oct 2022: EU leaders to discuss Ukraine, energy prices, security amid Russian escalation
29 Sep 2022: EU sanctions set to tighten the screw on Russian industry, society
29 Sep 2022: EU vows to protect energy network after ‘sabotage’ of Russian gas pipeline
27 Sep 2022: Hungary opposes EU sanctions on Russian nuclear sector
26 Sep 2022: Doubling electricity interconnection is the European peace project for this decade
6 Sep 2022: Germany to delay phase-out of nuclear plants to shore up energy security
26 Aug 2022: Spain’s parliament approves energy saving plan
26 Aug 2022: Norway shows EU energy crisis preparation failed
28 Jul 2022: German cities impose cold showers and turn off lights amid Russian gas crisis
28 Jul 2022: EU prepares public opinion for winter gas siege
28 Jul 2022: G7 aim to have price cap on Russian oil in place before 5 December
25 Jul 2022: Belgium reaches initial deal to prolong nuclear power by 10 years
25 Jul 2022: Germany tightens gas-savings plan, increases storage targets
21 Jul 2022: How reliant is Germany – and the rest of Europe – on Russian gas?
19 Jul 2022: EU efforts insufficient to get through winter without Russian gas: IEA
19 Jul 2022: Russian gas supplies to EU drop via all routes, except TurkStream
18 Jul 2022: Europe’s climate and energy strategy has become disturbingly bipolar
15 Jul 2022: The Guardian view on Europe’s energy crisis: facing down Putin will not come cheap
15 Jul 2022: Eyes wide shut, EU industry faces energy efficiency reckoning
15 Jul 2022: Fossil fuels phase-out: The EU’s unpreparedness is tragic, says think-tank director
15 Jul 2022: LEAK: EU drafts plan to reduce gas consumption ahead of uncertain winter
12 Jul 2022: German govt to present climate action programme for all sectors
12 Jul 2022: How to keep the lights on – UK gears up for worst-case energy scenarios
12 Jul 2022: Germany braces for ‘nightmare’ of Russia turning off gas for good
5 Jul 2022: Bavarian PM warns of ‘ice-cold winter’ due to gas shortage
4 Jul 2022: Efficiency “paradigm shift” needed in German heating – state foundation
28 Jun 2022: Germany and five other EU countries commit to solidarity as blackouts loom
27 Jun 2022: Is REPowerEU the right energy policy recipe to move away from Russian gas?
24 Jun 2022: German gas shortage may prevent exports to Europe
24 Jun 2022: Germany escalates to ‘alert level’ over security of gas supply
21 Jun 2022: Berlin to launch ‘painful’ gas saving scheme to secure next winter’s supply
21 Jun 2022: Czech ambassador: ‘We will burn anything we can to keep our people warm’ this winter
16 Jun 2022: Russia says West ‘shot itself in the head’ with energy sanctions
16 Jun 2022: EU signs gas deal with Egypt, Israel to end ‘dependency’ on Russia
14 Jun 2022: EU mettle to be tested as governments turn to energy efficiency
14 Jun 2022: Germans urged to cut energy use to lessen dependence on Russia
14 Jun 2022: EU’s von der Leyen, Italian PM in Israel for energy talks
14 Jun 2022: The EU needs to urgently unite behind proposals for a clean power boom
13 Jun 2022: Romania aims for energy independence in response to Ukraine war
9 Jun 2022: Ukraine eyes billions in euros from Europe electricity exports
9 Jun 2022: IEA presents energy efficiency push to make Russia’s gas, oil obsolete
2 Jun 2022: EU leaders downplay chances of rapid Russian gas ban
2 Jun 2022: Belgium ‘fully prepared’ for Russian gas cut, government says
31 May 2022: EU leaders back partial ban on Russian oil imports into the bloc
31 May 2022: Russian gas halt looms large over Italian economy
31 May 2022: Russia’s Gazprom to cut gas supply to the Netherlands
30 May 2022: Europe should use its Putin-proofing energy plans to reinvigorate climate action
30 May 2022: EU inches closer to ban on Russian oil, with exemptions
24 May 2022: EU oil embargo ‘in days’ as Ukraine isolation drives Russia closer to China
23 May 2022: EU countries urged to prepare for Russian gas cut: summit draft
23 May 2022: EU urges quicker phase-out of gas boilers in bid to halt Russian energy imports
20 May 2022: EU tables €300bn plan to ditch Russian fossil fuels, speed up green transition
20 May 2022: Germany, Denmark, Netherlands and Belgium sign €135 billion offshore wind pact
20 May 2022: Germany welcomes EU plans to end dependence on Russian energy
20 May 2022: EU clinches deal on mandatory gas storage for next winter
19 May 2022: Russia could cut off gas to Finland this week, energy provider says
17 May 2022: EU reputation at stake as Hungary continues to block Russia sanctions
16 May 2022: LEAK: EU countries urged to prepare for Russian gas ‘supply shock’
16 May 2022: Isolate Putin. Insulate homes.
16 May 2022: Heating neglected in EU plan to ditch Russian fossil fuels, industry says
13 May 2022: EU readies €195 billion plan to quit Russian fossil fuels
13 May 2022: Germany may be able to withstand winter without Russian gas, Habeck says
12 May 2022: Climate chaos certain if oil and gas mega-projects go ahead, warns IEA chief
12 May 2022: To get rid of Russian fossil fuels, the EU needs to put energy savings first
10 May 2022: EU considers more cash for eastern states in bid for deal on Russia oil ban
9 May 2022: Bulgaria threatens to veto EU oil ban on Russia unless it gets derogation
9 May 2022: How demand-side measures can ensure energy security in the EU
9 May 2022: G7 countries pledge to stop Russia oil imports
9 May 2022: Italy in trouble if Russia soon curbs gas supplies, says minister
5 May 2022: German industry backs oil embargo plans
5 May 2022: Russia’s sixth sanction package opens EU’s Pandora’s Box
5 May 2022: Why the EU may find it tough to squeeze out Russian oil
5 May 2022: Europe should dream big and start the gas exit now
3 May 2022: Finnish energy company ends contract with Rosatom over nuclear plant delivery
3 May 2022: EU may offer Hungary, Slovakia exemptions from Russian oil embargo
2 May 2022: EU risks letting Putin’s gas divide-and-rule strategy win
2 May 2022: EU energy ministers hold crisis talks after Russian gas cuts
2 May 2022: Germany signs hydrogen cooperation agreement with India
29 Apr 2022: Europe struggles for clarity on Russia’s roubles-for-gas scheme
28 Apr 2022: Germany to build LNG terminals at ‘Tesla speed’ in shift away from Russian gas
28 Apr 2022: Von der Leyen defies Russia’s gas ‘blackmail’, vows EU unity with Poland and Bulgaria
28 Apr 2022: How to go faster and further on building renovation to sever ties with Russia
28 Apr 2022: Russia doubles fossil fuel revenues since invasion of Ukraine began
26 Apr 2022: Germany revamps 1975 oil crisis law in face of new energy supply threats
25 Apr 2022: Brussels prepares to hit Russia with ‘smart sanctions’ on oil imports
22 Apr 2022: Italy puts 25C limit on air conditioning as Ukraine crisis forces energy rationing
22 Apr 2022: Exxon Mobil may completely withdraw from Russia by 24 June
22 Apr 2022: Ukraine lobbies for cuts in Russian Nord Stream 1 gas shipments
22 Apr 2022: Europe outlines 9-step plan to save energy, Ukraine and the planet
22 Apr 2022: Europe must play its key role in starving the Russian war machine
12 Apr 2022: OPEC tells EU it’s not possible to replace potential Russian oil supply loss
12 Apr 2022: Russian oil embargo could be part of next EU sanctions package, say ministers
12 Apr 2022: Ukraine envoy raps Germany over ‘shameful’ energy dependence on Russia
12 Apr 2022: Ban European flights and car use in cities to hurt Putin, report urges
8 Apr 2022: EU approves Russia coal embargo, but already looks beyond
8 Apr 2022: PM to put nuclear power at heart of UK’s energy strategy
7 Apr 2022: Can Germany wean itself off Russian oil and gas?
7 Apr 2022: Speed up green transition to break from Russian fossil fuels, say 11 EU countries
7 Apr 2022: UK to defy net zero targets with more oil and gas drilling
7 Apr 2022: The false promise that burning forest wood can replace Russian fossil fuels
4 Apr 2022: Kremlin warns West: rouble-for-gas scheme is the ‘prototype’
4 Apr 2022: Ukraine’s energy transition race
4 Apr 2022: Baltic states become first in Europe to stop Russian gas imports
1 Apr 2022: Why is Biden boasting about drilling for oil? Our planet demands we stop now
31 Mar 2022: Time to get serious about energy efficiency
29 Mar 2022: Moscow hardens stance on rouble gas payments from Europe
28 Mar 2022: EU, US strike LNG deal as Europe seeks to ditch Russian gas
28 Mar 2022: Facing Europe’s greatest energy challenge
28 Mar 2022: Nuclear power is back in the game, but remains a distant prospect for UK
28 Mar 2022: Europe’s booming demand for heat pumps exposes bottlenecks
28 Mar 2022: EU ready to increase energy efficiency target to eliminate Russian gas
25 Mar 2022: After blackouts, China’s green goals take back seat to energy security
25 Mar 2022: Russian demand for rouble gas payments would be breach of contract, EU leaders say
25 Mar 2022: Shell U-turn on Cambo oilfield would threaten green targets, say campaigners
25 Mar 2022: Food crisis: Europe burns equivalent of 15 million loaves of bread every day in cars
25 Mar 2022: German gas buyers raise the alarm over Russia’s ruble demand
25 Mar 2022: Canada will boost oil exports to replace Russian energy
25 Mar 2022: Could a behavioural change campaign save energy and cut Russian gas imports?
24 Mar 2022: G7 leaders agree on no new sanctions, want to close loopholes
22 Mar 2022: Experts slam Berlin’s reluctance to forgo Russian energy
22 Mar 2022: LEAK: EU to mandate 90% gas storage refill for next winter
22 Mar 2022: In a rush to replace Russian gas, the EU has damaged its own climate change strategy
22 Mar 2022: Johnson announces aim for UK to get 25% of electricity from nuclear power
21 Mar 2022: Ukraine war threatens global heating goals, warns UN chief
21 Mar 2022: A guide to the UK energy security strategy
21 Mar 2022: Germany agrees gas deal with Qatar to help end dependency on Russia
21 Mar 2022: Australian government welcomes high fossil fuel prices, ships coal to Ukraine
18 Mar 2022: Individual climate action – the free and instant way to help Ukraine
18 Mar 2022: BPIE presents strategic action plan for energy security
17 Mar 2022: Some EU members turn back to coal to cut reliance on Russian gas
17 Mar 2022: Biden administration approves more LNG exports to Europe
17 Mar 2022: War economics means Europe must ban all energy imports from Russia
15 Mar 2022: Dutch limit gas production at Groningen despite energy crisis
15 Mar 2022: The EU can stop the import of Russian gas
14 Mar 2022: Finland opens nuclear power plant amid concerns of European energy war
14 Mar 2022: The EU can stop the import of Russian gas
11 Mar 2022: France leads calls to reform ‘absurd’ EU energy market
11 Mar 2022: It’s not too late to free ourselves from this idiotic addiction to Russian gas
11 Mar 2022: Ukraine fears blackout, calls on EU to secure electricity supply
10 Mar 2022: EU lawmakers call for ban on Russian fossil fuel imports
10 Mar 2022: What does the Russian oil ban mean for the clean energy transition?
10 Mar 2022: 70 percent of German industrial companies expect serious energy price strains
10 Mar 2022: Europe ditching Russia gas could price out emerging Asia buyers, spur renewables
10 Mar 2022: UK hints that fracking could be part of energy policy overhaul
10 Mar 2022: Russia’s war in Ukraine: Why doubling down on the Green Deal is the best strategy
10 Mar 2022: Oil and gas companies are looking at a bonanza from the Ukraine war
10 Mar 2022: Phasing out Russian oil: how UK consumers can help the war effort
8 Mar 2022: Johnson hints UK oil and gas output must rise to cut dependence on Russia
8 Mar 2022: What would a US ban on Russian oil mean for the world?
8 Mar 2022: Ukraine war on the brink of sparking world energy conflict
8 Mar 2022: Bulgaria may seek exception to any EU sanctions on Russian gas and oil
7 Mar 2022: The Observer view on Ukraine and the climate emergency
7 Mar 2022: The road to European energy independence could start this week
7 Mar 2022: German ministers warn against boycotting Russian oil
4 Mar 2022: Russian gas flows via Yamal pipeline to Germany decline sharply
4 Mar 2022: Stop financing Putin’s war with energy imports, Ukrainian NGO pleads
3 Mar 2022: IEA: How Europe can cut natural gas imports from Russia significantly within a year
3 Mar 2022: Ukrainian official calls for Russian fossil fuel boycott at UN Environment Assembly
3 Mar 2022: LEAK: EU drafts plan to ditch Russian gas
1 Mar 2022: A Greek initiative for an EU Energy Crisis Solidarity Facility
1 Mar 2022: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine forces Germany to come clean on energy transition strategy
1 Mar 2022: Is Europe standing with Ukraine or riding with Putin?
1 Mar 2022: Chernobyl is not the only nuclear threat Russia’s invasion has sparked in Ukraine
1 Mar 2022: Ukraine’s energy system coping but risks major damage as war continues
1 Mar 2022: African states eye EU gas opportunity from Ukraine crisis
1 Mar 2022: How can Europe wean itself off Russian gas?
28 Feb 2022: EU ministers consider speeding up connection of Ukraine electricity grid to EU’s
25 Feb 2022: Germany braces for ‘more turbulent days’ on gas markets amid rising Russia tensions
24 Feb 2022: Is Putin’s Ukraine invasion about fossil fuels?
21 Feb 2022: Germany’s renewable energy investment drive in Ukraine at risk amid tensions
18 Feb 2022: EU says it is prepared for partial disruption of Russian gas flows
8 Feb 2022: Ukraine at the crossroads of a European energy crisis
8 Feb 2022: Von der Leyen: Growing evidence Kremlin is using ‘gas supplies as political leverage’
8 Feb 2022: EU, US pledge gas cooperation as tensions rise over Ukraine
3 Feb 2022: EU reviewing contingency plans for gas supply disruptions
1 Feb 2022: EU, US pledge cooperation on energy security amid Russia threat
1 Feb 2022: NATO calls on Europe to diversify energy supply amid standoff with Russia
31 Jan 2022: The missing element of Europe’s energy and climate security policy
20 Dec 2021: Gas crisis fuels call for UK to update energy security policy
26 Oct 2021: China says it must consider food and energy security when curbing
15 Oct 2021: US urges Russia to do more for European energy security
