Germany's New Russian Gas Pipeline Raises Questions About Cost and Environment
Europe is diversifying its energy sources, reducing reliance on Russian gas, and preparing for a renewable future. Despite this, Germany plans to build another pipeline for Russian gas, raising questions about cost and environmental impact.
The EU has been working to decrease its dependence on Russian gas, with a steady decrease in natural gas consumption expected between 2020 and 2050 as renewables take over. This effort has seen the EU address over-reliance on Russian gas by diversifying sources and expanding infrastructure. Even if Russia were to cut off gas exports, Europe can switch to other sources like liquified natural gas (LNG) and survive.
However, Germany's plans to build another gas storage facility for Russian gas have sparked controversy. Despite having reduced dependence on Russian gas and filling storage to around 75-77% in 2025, Germany aims to increase energy security and prepare for possible supply disruptions. Critics argue that this move is economically unviable and environmentally damaging, especially given the high cost and geopolitical concerns surrounding the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. This pipeline, already considered obsolete, will likely become a costly burden by the 2020s.
In Germany, natural gas is responsible for 20% of carbon emissions and is not climate friendly. The DIW report concludes that fossil natural gas will no longer have any significance in Germany's electricity industry as a bridge technology. Renewable gas alternatives like biogas and power-to-gas are being expanded to replace natural gas, with Europe and Germany having access to sufficient gas supplies and needing less in the future as they transition to renewables.
As Europe and Germany move towards a renewable future, the plans to build another pipeline for Russian gas raise questions about the long-term viability of these projects. Despite the immediate benefits of increased energy security, the high cost, environmental damage, and geopolitical concerns of such projects must be carefully considered in the context of a shifting energy landscape.
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