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Background note on the natural gas supply-demand balance of the European Union in 2023
This background note was developed to inform the discussions at the Special IEA Ministerial on Gas Markets and Supply Security on 15 February 2023. It assesses the latest developments in European and global natural gas markets, taking into account the impacts of the energy crisis triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The analysis examines the key factors affecting the natural gas supply-demand balance of the European Union – and the risks that could lead to a supply-demand gap emerging. And it highlights the measures that can reduce natural gas demand in a structural manner to mitigate…
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A 10-Point Plan to Reduce the European Union’s Reliance on Russian Natural Gas
…of the solution, but even very rapid deployment will take time to make a major dent in demand for imported gas. The faster EU policy makers seek to move away from Russian gas supplies, the greater the potential implications in terms of economic costs and/or near-term emissions. Circumstances also vary widely across the EU, depending on geography and supply arrangements.Reducing reliance on Russian gas will not be simple, requiring a concerted and sustained policy effort across multiple sectors, alongside strong international dialogue on energy markets and security. There are multiple links between Europe’s policy choices and...
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European Union 2020
…the progress made by the EU, such as the creation of an internal energy market and enhancement of energy security and climate policies. The IEA provides a range of recommendations for the successful implementation of the European Green Deal in the coming years. The report also outlines opportunities for boosting shortand long-term actions for a resilient, sustainable and just recovery of the European economy. Executive summary Over the past five years, the European Union (EU) has made significant progress in completing the internal market for electricity and gas, promoting energy efficiency action, renewable energy deployment, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions…
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Ramping up Heat Pumps in Moldova: A Roadmap
…adoption including the high upfront costs of heat pump technology and installation, alongside limited industry experience. Public awareness and demand for heat pumps remain low, with many consumers deterred by cost and maintenance concerns.This roadmap takes stock of the current landscape, draws on the experience of other countries and offers policy recommendations to spark a discussion and advance heat pump adoption in Moldova. Read about the three pillars for ramping up heat pumps Explore how Moldova could enhance energy security, reduce emissions, stimulate job growth and lower heating costs with targeted policies to accelerate the deployment of heat pumps.
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Sustainable Transport Policy for Armenia: A Roadmap
As a part of the EU4Energy Programme, the Armenia Energy Policy Roadmap on Sustainable Transport presents a comprehensive, evidence-based framework for transforming the country’s mobility system into a sustainable and efficient transport system. The strategy seeks to deliver significant reductions in CO₂ emissions while strengthening regional connectivity, fostering economic development, and enhancing energy security. While Armenia has made notable progress in rolling out electric vehicles and electrifying its rail network, it still struggles with a high dependence on imported fossil fuels, a lack of data transparency and weak co-ordination among government agencies. This roadmap is structured to…
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How to Avoid Gas Shortages in the European Union in 2023
…natural gas markets are not yet out of the danger created by Russia’s cuts to pipeline deliveries of gas. If gas exports from Russia drop to zero and China’s LNG imports rebound to 2021 levels, there is a risk of a shortfall gas supplies in 2023. Measures already taken by EU governments on energy efficiency, renewables and heat pumps should help reduce the size of this potential natural gas supply-demand gap in 2023. A recovery in nuclear and hydropower output from their decade-low levels in 2022 should also help narrow the gap. Despite all of this…
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Sustainable Transport for Georgia: A Roadmap
…and climate pollution, and road injuries and deaths).Since national and municipal policies shape transport technology, infrastructure and operations, the report first examines the country as a whole, followed by Georgia’s largest cities. With road vehicles responsible for more than 98% of domestic transport energy use and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, the focus is on road transport.Opportunities identified include improving vehicle efficiency – particularly by accelerating electric vehicle (EV) adoption – and cutting reliance on inefficient vehicles by reducing unnecessary car travel and shifting to buses, metro, walking and cycling, as well as intercity passenger and freight rail. These opportunities…
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Developing Capacity for Long-Term Energy Policy Planning: A Roadmap
EU4Energy regional roadmap Today’s main policy questions relate to what an energy policy should look like to be robust and flexible enough to deal with the uncertainties of the future. Therefore, a scenario-approach relying on energy system models is essential to support decision making because modern energy system analysis provides the best chance of ensuring decisions will not be regretted in the medium to long term.Developing analytical capacity (i.e. tools and staff skills) is complex and time-consuming. To maintain – and especially expand – a country’s capacity for long-term energy planning, adequate resources need to…
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Coping with the Crisis: Increasing Resilience in Small Businesses in Europe through Energy Efficiency
…world, making their survival essential.To help smaller businesses overcome these perilous challenges and to sustain European economies, the European Commission and the International Energy Agency have teamed up to raise the awareness of governments, businesses and related stakeholders about the available options to empower and protect SMEs. These include EU support measures currently available to SMEs that can be tailored to meet their specific needs. They also include steps that businesses can take themselves to use energy more efficiently and wisely, making them more resilient and secure – both in the short and in the long term.In this document…
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Is renewable energy capacity in the European Union making windfall profits from high wholesale prices?
…data are limited concerning non-policy factors, including long-term bilateral power purchase contracts, developers’ hedging strategies and exposure in the wholesale electricity market. To understand these non-policy factors, we examined the balance sheets of the European utilities with large operational renewable and fossil fuel capacities. Policy schemes In the European Union, policy schemes make more than half of utility- and commercial-scale renewable power capacity (including large-scale hydropower) eligible to receive wholesale energy prices. Excluding hydropower, wholesale market exposure is under 40% for wind, solar PV and bioenergy technologies. Hydropower plants, which account for one-quarter of…