Vienna (OTS) – Energy expert Johannes Benigni misses Energy Minister Leonore Gewessler’s vision when it comes to energy supplies: “In the event of a failure in the Russian gas supply, there is no plan, there is no funding and above all , there is no desire to provide alternatives. The minister is therefore jeopardizing Austria’s economic future”.
Renowned energy expert Johannes Benigni criticizes Energy Minister Leonore Gewessler’s inaction at today’s roundtable at the Ministry of Climate Change: “Through her 15 months of inactivity, the Minister is threatening Austria’s adequate gas supply. It endangers hundreds of thousands of jobs.
The reasons for the severe criticism: In the last year and a half, the Minister has not presented a plan for the sustainable supply of Austria with energy, especially with gas. “Previous inactivity in terms of improving transport capabilities is irresponsible, especially in relation to a possible delivery failure from Russia. Now the minister must finally act, otherwise she will jeopardize Austria’s economic future,” says Benigni. He calls for five concrete measures from politicians to ensure Austria’s secure and long-term gas supply:
- Diplomatic efforts strengthened by the minister to continue the Ukraine-Russia gas pipeline contract beyond 2024. Alternatively, the transit agreement between Austria (along with other affected states) and Ukraine could be agreed.
- Green light for the expansion of the West-Austria-Gas (WAG) pipeline, as well as funding from the Republic, so that, in the event of a crisis, sufficient gas can reach Austria from the West, i.e. via Germany, for example . The project to be implemented is already called WAG Loop and should finally start.
- Political commitment from the Minister that ensures that the necessary measures for the adequate supply of gas from Austria are also taken in the upstream foreign gas networks, for example in Germany or Italy.
- Planning and organizing the timely booking of domestic gas storage capacities and financial support for storage by the Ministry of Energy so that gas destined for Austria can actually be stored in Austrian storage facilities if necessary.
- Stepping up gas production in Austria by, among other things, increasing Austria’s green gas potential (biogas, biomethane, hydrogen, etc.) and providing incentives and subsidies for the development of conventional Austrian natural gas deposits.
“If politicians want to promote the exit of Russian natural gas, they must not only dream, but first offer alternatives, plan, develop them and at least put them into practice”, says Benigni. Concrete proposals from energy companies to alleviate the tense situation have been on the minister’s table for over a year.
Negative consequences of green policy
If gas – like last year – is expensive on the world market, this sometimes leads to huge social upheavals and high inflation in our country. But even if industrialized countries like Austria are still able to pay the high price, many emerging Asian countries are falling behind. You then use more charcoal again. And if, for example, most Asians turn to coal for energy, which is now on the rise again, decarbonization in Asia will be reversed and slowed down for many years to come. This is the reality and effect of green energy policy. Benigni concludes: “Ms. Gewessler’s policy not only leads to supply problems, but also to high energy prices and, at the same time, to increased CO2 emissions from a global perspective.”
Questions and contact:
JBC Vienna GmbH, Veitingergasse 92, A-1130 Vienna
Johannes Benigni, Email: [email protected], Tel.: 0664 1029091