The crisis enveloping Europe’s energy landscape has intensified as the war in Ukraine disrupts supply routes and shakes markets. With Russia’s gas deliveries in question and prices spiraling, the European Union faces a severe test of security and affordability. Institutions warn of a red alert scenario if supplies dwindle further, prompting swift moves from member states to curb demand and diversify sources.
Germany shifts toward coal and efficiency measures
Germany, deeply reliant on Russian gas, stands at the center of Europe’s energy strain. Fears that Moscow may halt Nord Stream 1 deliveries amplified winter risk planning, pressuring Berlin to act quickly. The impending winter cost forecast has fueled concerns that household bills could rise sharply.
In response, the government under Olaf Scholz has accelerated the reactivation of coal and oil-fired plants. The move is framed as a temporary step to conserve gas during the summer and rebuild storage for the cold months ahead, according to the Ministry of Economy and Climate Protection led by Robert Habeck. About 27 facilities have been brought back online and are slated to run until spring 2023.
A joint effort by the government, industry, and unions aims to reduce gas use while ensuring continuity for critical operations. Companies willing to reduce gas consumption receive compensation, and households are urged to cut usage where possible. Nuclear plant operations remain constrained, reflecting a deliberate pause on extending nuclear capacity.
This strategic recalibration targets Germany’s energy balance, which, prior to the crisis, showed heavy reliance on Moscow for oil and gas. The course set aims to diversify sources and lessen the continent’s exposure to a single supplier.
Italy trims dependence on Russian gas
Italy has been steadily reducing its exposure to Russian gas, with the share dropping from about 40% to 25% over the past year. Prime Minister Mario Draghi has outlined progress in a briefing to European bodies, noting storage preparations for winter and a commitment to keep prices in check for citizens. He described these measures as well organized and essential for resilience.
In recent months, Rome has pursued new supplies and partnerships, including arrangements with Algeria and long-standing ties with other producers. Russia has accounted for a portion of Italy’s gas imports this year, while Italy has expanded ties with Qatar, Congo, Egypt, Turkey, and Azerbaijan as part of a broader diversification strategy.
Gas flows to Europe through major pipelines, including the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline, a landmark project completed in 2020. Rome is also strengthening renewables and measures to limit domestic gas price increases, aiming to protect consumers’ purchasing power. Yet the question remains how Italy will replace Russia’s share, given that roughly 90% of its gas is imported.
Portugal embraces low dependence and renewables
Portugal’s gas reliance remains modest, around 6% of consumption in 2022. Still, Prime Minister Antonio Costa warned about the risks of a supply cut and stressed the push toward renewables. The government is advancing energy plans that prioritize alternative sources and enhanced interconnections across Europe, with renewables contributing roughly 60% of total energy supply.
The Támega hydroelectric complex in the north is slated to come online, delivering an annual energy equivalent to the needs of hundreds of thousands of homes. Dry conditions have challenged hydro output, but the country continues to scale up solar power, including a floating facility on the Alqueva reservoir, now among Europe’s largest solar complexes. Sines port is highlighted as a critical entry point for liquefied natural gas from the United States and Africa, strengthening Europe’s energy options.
UK pursues a contingency plan
The United Kingdom imports only a small share of its gas from Russia, with much of its supply coming from the North Sea and Norway. LNG imports from Qatar and the United States support the energy mix, while the UK also produces crude oil and refined products. Storage capacity for gas remains a concern relative to some neighbors, and the winter months require careful management of imports and interconnections.
A four-stage contingency plan could be activated if shortages deepen, potentially altering links to continental Europe and prompting targeted reductions in industrial gas use and household consumption. The government has signaled the need to prepare for changing energy habits, even as the administration changes.
France declares energy sobriety
France, while less dependent on Moscow than some peers, remains a significant importer of Russian gas and oil. The government has signaled that a complete cut in Russian supplies is a plausible outcome and has launched a plan to reduce energy use.
For the retail sector, measures may include earlier business closures and reduced overnight lighting and climate control in stores, as part of broader energy-saving efforts. Nuclear energy continues to form the backbone of France’s electricity mix, contributing a substantial share of national output. President Macron has reiterated a plan to expand nuclear capacity with several new reactors in the coming years.
Across Europe, governments are balancing short-term stabilization with longer-term shifts toward energy security and green transition, while safeguarding household budgets and industrial competitiveness. The path forward involves resilience, diversification, and coordinated policy across the continent. Attribution: Reuters and major European news agencies report ongoing assessments of supply risks and policy responses.