Gas supply security
EU needs more strategic approach to role of gas in energy supply
The European Parliament today adopted new EU legislation on security of gas supply. Green MEPs voted for the report, which aims to ensure Europe is better prepared to respond to emergencies and supply disruptions, but called for a more strategic EU approach to the role of gas. After the vote, Luxembourg Green MEP Claude Turmes said:
"The legislation adopted today is a welcome, if overdue, step towards addressing the cyclical disruptions to our gas supply. The final text goes much further than originally envisioned. Crucially, it makes the Commission responsible for EU-wide coordination during emergencies. It also addresses the needs of individual consumers by ensuring there is a minimum gas reserve of 30 days for all European households in case of supply disruptions, and requires 'reverse flow' technology for all gas interconnectors, which will allow flexibility in responding to crises.
"Regrettably, however, the EU lacks any coherent strategy on the role of gas in European energy policy. Gas will clearly play a part in the EU's transition to a renewables-based economy and the EU must be more strategic about how it deals with this. The landscape for gas is changing, whether due to new supply sources and resources (like shale gas) or to new measures affecting demand, such as EU legislation on buildings energy performance. The Greens believe the EU Commission must take stock of these developments and undertake a proper analysis on gas supply and the role of gas ahead of the EU's 'energy summit' this coming February."
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