Prepare for the day Putin turns off the tap

“A robust plan is needed on how to drastically decrease Europe’s energy dependency on Russia. Such a plan is a strategic investment because, in addition to less dependence on Russian fossil fuels, it also means less money for Putin to finance his military actions", declared Christian Ehler MEP, the EPP Group Spokesman on Energy.

This afternoon, the European Commission will publish a strategy document laying out the path to end the EU’s reliance on Russian gas that could see imports reduced in a matter of months. Shortly afterwards, the European Parliament will today debate rising energy prices and market manipulation on the gas market.

“More than ever before, we need to diversify the European gas supply and accelerate the expansion of renewable sources of energy to bring about energy autonomy and security in Europe. The European Union must prepare as quickly as possible for the day Putin turns off the tap”, said Ehler.

"While Europe will be able to make it through this winter, thanks to gas in storage and Liquefied Natural Gas deliveries, there is a strong need to look for alternatives to Russian gas. The accelerated expansion of renewable energy sources will have an impact on energy prices in the medium term. The EU will need to import 10 million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030. The roll-out of renewable hydrogen needs to be accelerated. EU governments need to prioritise state aid approvals for hydrogen projects”, said Ehler.

The EPP Group believes that new supply policies need to be matched by infrastructure allowing electricity and gas to flow unhindered on the European market. “It is crucial that the EU promotes interconnection projects that can allow gas from regasification plants with excess capacity to flow throughout the continent provided that these projects can be used to transport hydrogen in the future", concluded Ehler.