The Energy Ministers of the EU countries believe that the European Union should stop using gas, oil and coal sooner and switch more quickly to energy from solar panels and wind turbines. The Energy Ministers agree with the Green Deal package Fitfor55 of Climate Commissioner Frans Timmermans.
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, switching to renewable energy has become even more urgent, as the EU wants to become less dependent on fossil energy from Russia. Timmermans said that less dependence on fossil fuels is not only a climate issue, but has now also become a geo-political EU self-interest due to the Russian advance in Ukraine.
European energy consumption must be reduced by about 36% over the next ten years, more windmills must be built faster and more and (liquefied) natural gas must be purchased in other countries (Qatar, Israel, US).
The Energy Ministers also agree that the new energy policy should no longer be 'ieder for itself', but should above all become 'joint procurement'.
The EU ministers believe that about 40 percent of energy should come from renewable sources by 2030, instead of the 32 percent that is currently foreseen. The production of biogas by agriculture is also being put back on the agenda.
According to the European Commission, major consumers, such as the chemical and food industry, should switch to hydrogen as soon as possible.
The capacity for the production of hydrogen, biomethane and solar energy must be increased rapidly. European Commissioner Kadri Simson (Energy) once again urged the Energy Ministers to simplify and speed up the procedures for permits. Large and rapid investments are needed in the EU in new and convertible energy infrastructure.