Natural gas – Commission: “Winter is coming, households are protected”

“We will definitely survive the winter,” says EU Energy Commissioner Cadre Simpson, who appears optimistic that an energy crisis will not erupt next winter if precautionary measures are taken now. Speaking to Deutsche Wellethe commissioner records the problems, but argues that the Europe is shielded against the threatened energy crisis.

“Already since the beginning of the year we have started the necessary preparations. We know that Russia is not a reliable partner and can turn off the tap at any moment. But we are prepared. We know that with the help of reliable suppliers and with natural gas tanks filling up, we can get through the winter safely, without resorting to emergency mechanisms».

The commissioner from Estonia admits that the agreement on a common European line was not easy, as was seen in the last extraordinary meeting of energy ministers in Brussels. Probably no one expected anything different, since as he points out, the member states have a different energy mix and different needs. Finally an agreement was reached. What is important now, the Commissioner emphasizes, is “to start saving energy immediately. Precautionary measures will allow us to get through the winter with less economic loss and less painful consequences for our industry than if we did nothing now and suddenly in winter Russia decided to cut off natural gas. So we don’t wait for the next steps of others, we proceed alone with the necessary preparation”.

“Sanctions demonstrate solidarity within the EU”

Many believe that the threatened energy crisis, but also the general geopolitical developments after the Russia’s invasion of neighboring Ukraine have once again divided Europe. The Commissioner does not agree with this assessment. “The best proof of the prevailing spirit of solidarity is the seven packages of sanctions that have been unanimously imposed on Russia and cover various sectors of energy production. We already have a reliable network of alternative routes for natural gas and there we see member states supporting neighboring countries. We are now co-ordinating at the European level also liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes, as we are now importing record quantities from other suppliers, except Russia…”

Kadri Simson, a former finance minister in Estonia, points to the fact that US LNG imports have tripled in recent months in an effort to replace Russian natural gas. The question is, of course, what all this means for households in Europe. Will they be asked to pay the price of geopolitical developments? The Commissioner is categorical: “Households are considered ‘protected consumers’, it is important to know that. Even in the worst case scenario where we lose some LNG cargoes to international competition and have a very harsh winter with unusually low temperatures, we will protect households. Our houses will have heating. That doesn’t mean we can’t help, too, by turning down the thermostat a bit, for example. This is also an act of solidarity”.

Nuclear power is a national choice

In the wake of the fuel conservation debate, the nuclear power lobby is making a comeback. The EU has already decided to include atomic energy in the “green forms of energy” for a transitional period, until it is weaned from fossil fuels. Today, many – including the German Finance Minister Christian Lindner – are proposing the reopening of nuclear plants in order to meet the increased needs of the winter. Responding to the question about restoring nuclear energy, Commissioner Simpson points out: “Based on the European Treaties, member states are free to choose the energy mix they wish. Some prefer to achieve climate goals with the help of nuclear energy, and there are five member states that still import nuclear fuel from Russia. We are helping these member states to become independent of these imports as soon as possible.”