The European Union has made significant changes to its energy sources since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which highlighted the dangers of relying on a single supplier. Diversifying energy supplies became essential, requiring investment in new pipelines, liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals, and infrastructure. In 2021, over 40% of the EU’s pipeline gas came from Russia. By 2023, this number dropped to just 8%, with Russia’s total share of EU gas imports—pipeline and LNG combined—falling to less than 15%. This was achieved through a sharp increase in LNG imports and a reduction in overall gas consumption. In 2023, Norway and the United States became the EU’s top gas suppliers. Norway provided almost 30% of the EU’s total gas imports, while the U.S. supplied nearly 50% of the EU’s LNG. Other key suppliers include North African countries, the UK, and Qatar. The EU imported over 120 billion cubic meters of LNG in 2023, with France, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Italy as the largest importers. This shift reflects the EU’s commitment to reducing dependence on Russian energy and ensuring a secure and diverse energy supply. Why is gas so crucial for the EU? Gas fuels power generation, heats over 30% of EU households, and supports industrial processes. Despite a 13% drop in consumption in 2022, the EU still used over 350 billion cubic meters of gas, underscoring its importance to daily life and the economy. The EU’s energy transformation is a clear step toward resilience and sustainability.
Image courtesy of interviewee. January 1, 2025