18:05 - 3.03.2022

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March 3, Fineko/abc.az.  Reducing the reliance on Russian gas will not be easy for the EU, ABC.AZ reports with reference to the International Energy Agency (IEA).

"Reducing reliance on Russian gas will not be easy, it will require concerted and sustained political efforts in many sectors, as well as a strong international dialogue on energy markets and security," the report says.

On Thursday, the IEA Secretariat will publish a "10-point plan according to which European countries can reduce their dependence on Russian gas supplies by next winter".

In the first two paragraphs of the plan, it is proposed to abandon the conclusion of new contracts with Russia for the supply of gas and replace them with alternative sources of gas to Russia.

The IEA believes that the implementation of the plan, covering gas supply, power supply system and end-use areas, can reduce the EU's demand for Russian gas by 50 bn cu m a year (a third of the annual demand for Russian gas). But if the EU takes additional steps to lead to slowdown in the rate of emissions reduction within the framework of the Zero Waste Roadmap, the demand for Russian gas in the short-term prospect may decrease by more than 80 bn cu m (more than twice).

In 2021, Europe imported about 155 bn cu m of gas from Russia, including liquefied natural gas (LNG). Of this volume, about 140 bn cu m accounted for gas supplied through pipelines.