EU seeks end to energy dependence
Energy dependence from Russia a pipedream?
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Thursday, 13, Nov 2008 10:27
Europe will seek to break free of its dependence on energy imports through the construction of a 'supergrid', according to reports.
The European Commission' Energy Security Plan document seen by the Times newspaper suggests pipelines from central Asia and Africa will be built in addition to strengthened gas and electricity networks across the continent.
The EU is expected to import nearly three-quarters of its energy by 2020 and is heavily dependent on Russia for much of this.
Moscow has frequently used this hold to seek political concessions from its immediate neighbours and many fear it could impose a stranglehold over Europe in the future.
"Remaining reserves and spare production capacity are becoming increasingly concentrated in a few hands," the document states.
"With respect to the EU, this is of most concern with respect to gas, where a number of member states are overwhelmingly dependent on one single supplier.
"Political incidents in supplier or transit countries, accidents or natural disasters… remind the EU of the vulnerability of its immediate energy supply."
Tomorrow Russian officials will meet with EU counterparts in France's capital Paris. The country currently holds the rotating EU presidency.