The Energy Ministers of the EU countries believe that the European Union should stop using gas, oil, and coal sooner, and switch faster to energy from solar panels and wind turbines. The Energy Ministers agree with the Green Deal package Fitfor55 from Climate Commissioner Frans Timmermans.
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the transition to renewable energy has become even more urgent, as the EU wants to become less dependent on fossil energy from Russia. Timmermans stated that reducing dependency on fossil fuels is not only a climate issue, but due to the Russian advance in Ukraine, it has also become a geopolitical self-interest of the EU.
European energy consumption must be reduced by about 36% over the next ten years, more wind turbines need to be built faster, and (liquefied) natural gas will have to be purchased from other countries (Qatar, Israel, USA).
The Energy Ministers also agree that the new energy policy should no longer be 'each for themselves' but primarily focus on 'joint procurement'.
The EU ministers believe that by 2030, about 40 percent of energy should come from renewable sources, instead of the 32 percent currently planned. The production of biogas by agriculture is also being brought back onto the agenda.
According to the European Commission, large consumers, such as the chemical and food industries, should switch to hydrogen as soon as possible.
The capacity for producing hydrogen, biomethane, and solar energy must be expanded rapidly. European Commissioner Kadri Simson (Energy) urged the Energy Ministers once again to simplify and speed up permit procedures. There is a need for many rapid investments in new and converted energy infrastructure in the EU.