European regulation on gas supply security adopted in 2017, Three crisis levels to standardize response at European level. The first is early warning in case there is reliable information about a possible deterioration in supply. Second, alarm if the deterioration in supply at the European level is confirmed or the two countries explain the situation. Third, a regional or European emergency in emergencies. At all levels, member states can take measures to restrict, allocate and ultimately cut off gas supply when all other options fail. According to the latest draft of the Community Executive, from this Wednesday the EU will pre-warning. What does this change mean and what measures does the European Commission propose to respond to the growing worry and reduce gas consumption?
Reduce heating and cooling
The RepowerEU plan proposed by Brussels in mid-May has already energy saving as the “fastest and most economical” way to deal with energy crisis by voluntary measures, simply changing habits and behaviors. Community Manager continues along this line – “everyone can save gas” – and is committed to saving awareness campaigns.
For example, it proposes during the warning phase that member states should introduce mandatory national reduction targets for both heating and cooling. “Higher prices are likely partly reduce the use of heating or air conditioning but if the prices are not sufficient, it may be a necessity” said Brussels, changing the habits in this area and determining the possible savings as 11,000 million cubic meters.
For example, savings could happen as early as this summer, reduce consumption electric -and indirectly through gas-air conditioning. In winter, additional savings can be achieved by introducing alternative heat sources for district heating, heat pumps in homes, and savings campaigns for 1º lowering of the thermostat, as well as reducing the heating of public buildings, offices and commercial buildings. . The plan does not mention 19 as in previous drafts.
coal and nuclear
The European Commission recommends to encourage change fuels both in industry and in electricity generation, whenever possible, renewable energy or cleaner sources and less carbon intensive. The plan foresees the possibility of using coal-fired power plants and the temporary suspension of legal restrictions for their operation, which some member states have decided to implement. “However, in line with the European Green Deal’s Just Transition objective, these measures should always be considered temporary and reversible in the short term, so as not to create a carbon lock-in in the long term,” he says.
More, The use of other fuels may trigger it. polluting emissions Although Brussels clarifies that it is possible to deviate from the rules “under certain conditions” in case of a need for supply. The plan also opens the door a Postponing the closure of nuclear power plants Countries like Belgium – Prime Minister Alexander de Croo demanded that the Tihange 2 reactor be extended until the winter peak is over – or France.
financial compensation
The plan also recommends that member states implement it. auction or bidding mechanisms to compensate industries Those who want to reduce their gas consumption. That is, industries that are in the best position to reduce their demands may volunteer for compensation.
Another possibility for industrial consumers may be to pre-accept contractual changes in production for a region less prone to supply disruptions. In an emergency, companies can: move their production to a less exposed area to curtail the supply, even if it complies with the rules of competition.
Finally, Brussels proposes what it calls “continuous” contracts, or also predetermined economic compensation to be awarded for a – again predetermined – level of reduction in the volume of gas consumed over a given period of time. While in principle they don’t fit a full Russian cut, Brussels believes they can help save gas.