Russian natural gas, 30 billion deficit in 2023 according to the IEA. All possible solutions
The IEA presented the report on Russian natural gas. Heat pumps and energy upgrading in first place to avoid shortages in 2023
Initial assessments and new perspectives for the European energy future.
The new report of the IEA defines the key actions to bridge the gap between the supply and demand of Russian natural gas in 2023 presenting different scenarios and solutions, first of all, the implementation of heat pumps and energy redevelopment.
Russian natural gas and that 30 billion deficit
The European Union will face a potential deficit of almost 30 billion cubic meters of natural gas in 2023. However, this gap can be bridged as the report states.
The IEA identifies key areas, which will be crucial to develop, with a view to greater independence from Russian gas, and also a large-scale development of renewable sources.
First of all, it is necessary to encourage the installation and use of heat pumps, with the goal of saving 2 billion cubic meters of gas more in 2023. By implementing heat pumps, in 2023 we may need 7.5 billion cubic meters of gas less.
Another area to be developed is the redevelopment of buildings and energy efficiency. Upgrading the buildings would lead to a saving of 5 billion cubic meters of gas, a significant result, taking into account that 2023 could be an even more difficult year compared to 2022 from the point of view of gas supply.
The report also states that the measures taken so far by EU governments in the fields of energy efficiency, renewable energy and heat pumps should nevertheless help to reduce the size of the potential gap between gas supply and demand in 2023.
Russian natural gas: the intervention of Ursula von der Leyen
The IEA report is extremely important to understand the path to be taken during 2023 to drastically reduce dependence on Russian natural gas.
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said that in 2022 the EU had managed to resist Russia’s "energy blackmail". The key issue is to focus on preparing for 2023 and next winter: "Europe must intensify its efforts in various fields, from the international scope to the joint purchase of gas, to the increase and acceleration of renewable energy and the reduction of demand".
Fatih Birol, IEA Executive Director, also confirms the importance of taking strategic action next year: "Many of the circumstances that have allowed EU countries to fill their storage sites before this winter may not be repeated in 2023. The IEA’s new analysis shows that a greater boost to energy efficiency, renewables, heat pumps and simple energy saving actions is vital to avert the risk of shortages and further violent price peaks next year".
Read the full report by downloading the documentation!
Image source: IEA.org
