Europe Could Halve Gas Imports Fostering Energy Efficiency Measures, Renewables - Study
Europe could halve its gas imports through a mix of energy efficiency measures and development of renewables, said a report released by Ecofys on Monday.
‘In recent years, the EU’s dependence on fossil fuel imports has reached record high levels. In 2012, 54 per cent of total (primary) energy demand in the EU was met by imported energy. In the case of natural gas, import dependence is even higher: 66 per cent in 2012, up from 45 per cent in 1990,’ the consultancy firm told in its analysis, explaining why Europe has to find a strategy to decrease its reliance on gas imports.
Ecofys notes that the increase in demand and the decrease in production led to the surge in gas imports. According to the consultancy firm, the trend can be upended promoting cost-effective improvements in energy efficiency in buildings and industry.
‘Present policies leave energy renovation in existing buildings largely untapped. Insulation and improved heating systems, especially, can drastically reduce the energy demand for heating and cooling in existing buildings. Moreover, these technologies are presently available and cost-effective, which means that the savings from reduced energy bills can compensate for the costs of investments,’ reads the report, adding that building accounts for 39% of final energy consumption in the EU.
Amelioration in industrial processes, which account for 26% of final energy consumption, can come with more moderate energy savings. The measures could translate into a 20% reduction in industrial natural gas consumption.
According to the consultancy firm, an increase in renewable energy would result into a reduction of gas imports.
‘Accelerating the growth of renewable energy in power generation – combined with improved efficiency measures in this sector – could reduce the consumption of natural gas in the power sector by 63 per cent by 2030. This is equal to 19 per cent of total current natural gas consumption in the EU.’