Gas operators in the EU are considering scenarios of a complete phase-out of Russian fuel/Channel 24
The European Union is developing mechanisms to completely abandon Russian gas. This should be another punishment for Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and operators are already thinking of different scenarios.
In particular, they are considering the complete absence of Russian gas and the cessation of supplies to consumers. Torben Brabo, CEO of the gas transmission system operator in Denmark and President of Gas Infrastructure Europe, spoke about this.
For many years, we have to consider winter outage scenarios, especially within the European Network of Gas Transmission System Operators (ENTSOG) supply forecasts. Now the European Commission has asked infrastructure companies to add a new scenario in which there is no Russian gas at all, he said.
Brabo noted that gas accounts for 25% of total energy consumption in Europe.
< h2 class="news-subtitle cke-markup">Some countries will suffer more than others
According to the official, of the 45% of gas leaving Russia, approximately 10% is consumed in Europe. Gas is distributed unevenly, so there are countries and regions that will suffer much more than others.
The European Commission, as an option, proposes replacing Russian gas with large imports of LNG and biomethane. Brabo calls this scenario too optimistic, because every billion cubic meters counts.
There are forecasts that in the event of a shortage of gas, fuel will be given priority to households, schools and hospitals. Some industrial customers may be cut off from gas supply.
At the same time, the construction of new LNG infrastructure and major pipeline connections is accelerating. This will help diversify supplies and avoid bottlenecks. Brabo insists that Europe should also be mindful of energy efficiency efforts and simply consume less.
What we know about Europe moving away from Russian gas
- The European Union intends to refuse Russian gas supplies as part of sanctions against the aggressor for the war in Ukraine. They want to do this before 2027.
- The volume of Russian gas supplies to Europe through Ukraine may be reduced in the near future. Including because the Russians have seized certain territories of our state and disrupt the operation of stations there.
- It also became known that Russia suspended gas supplies to Poland under the Yamal contract. The reason for their actions in the Kremlin has not yet been explained.
