EU industry steps up switch to oil and coal, analysts warn this is not enough
As EU member states attempt to shift away from using gas to help reserves pile up ahead of winter, the bloc’s industry is increasingly tapping into dirty oil and coal to make up for the shortfall of the key fuel, hindering the bloc’s clean energy transition that leaders promise won’t be ultimately at stake.
Read MoreEU countries face tough trade-offs as they grapple with gas-curbing plans
EU countries are getting to grips with generating energy savings in time for winter while ensuring their industries and end-consumers aren’t hit too hard, after the Council rubberstamped gas-cutting plans last week.
Read MoreEU energy ministers rubberstamp gas-cutting measures, but opt-outs remain
The European Council agreed on Friday to officially adopt a regulation mandating a voluntary reduction of gas consumption by 15% by Mar. 2023, including the possibility to back a so-called ‘Union alert’ where the target would become mandatory.
Read MoreFEATURE: Scramble for arms to threaten global net zero goals
The escalation of war in Europe and in other regions may hamper efforts to slash planet-warming gases, as newly beefed-up defence spending risks driving sectoral emissions to record highs.
Read MoreEU capitals likely to adopt goal for 15% cut in gas use, with ample opt-outs
EU member states are set to endorse bloc-wide gas demand-cutting plans on Tuesday, but fierce resistance from a majority suggests the final text may be riddled with exemptions and derogations.
Read MoreFEATURE: Italy heads for first climate-dominated elections in the aftermath of Draghi’s downfall
Italy, the EU’s third-largest economy, is heading for months of stagnating energy and climate policy progress as its leadership was toppled this week after days of political turmoil, with elections scheduled for as early as September.
Read MoreUPDATE – Brussels seeks 15% cut in EU gas use, emergency rationing of supplies
EU member states should curb their natural gas demand by 15% over the coming eight months from August, the European Commission said on Wednesday in a plan designed to increase the bloc’s resilience in the face of potential Russian gas supply disruptions.
Read MoreBrussels readies plans for emergency gas rationing -leaked draft
The European Commission is set to propose mandatory gas rationing for member states should the EU declare an emergency amid a worsening supply outlook, according to a leaked draft seen by Carbon Pulse on Tuesday.
Read MoreBrussels considers temporary relaxation of environmental constraints in energy-saving effort -leaked draft
The European Commission is set to propose temporary exemptions to pollutant and CO2 emissions obligations for power plants and refiners under a far-reaching effort to spare gas ahead of winter, according to a leaked draft communication seen by Carbon Pulse on Monday.
Read MoreBrussels bets on energy savings as risk of full Russian gas cut-off rises
As the prospect of a full cut-off of Russian gas into the EU looks increasingly likely, the European Commission is seeking ways to drastically reduce the bloc’s industrial consumption to help build supplies ahead of winter without further crippling the economy.
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