Environment and Energy Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) spoke again in various media outlets against a Russian gas embargo. Currently, an exit is not possible, but an exit plan is being drawn up, the minister told “Presse am Sonntag”. The EU’s target of getting out of Russian gas by 2027 is “very ambitious”, she told “Kurier” and Oe24.
Norwegian gas can be considered an alternative to Russian gas. “We have already received gas from Norway. We have to reinforce this route”, says Gewessler. In addition, liquefied gas (LNG) from the terminals in the Netherlands, Italy and Germany could also be an alternative to Russian gas. However, she declined to put an exact number on how much Russian gas could be replaced by other suppliers in the short term.
In addition to new suppliers, the exit also requires a reduction in gas consumption and greater domestic production of biogas or hydrogen. “Each gas boiler that’s changed early helps,” Gewessler said. There are already some subsidies for renovation measures in residential construction, but legal measures are also needed. In the production area, renewable alternatives must also be used. “Each wind turbine is a sign of more freedom and independence from Russia.”