Brussels, 4 March 2024
Security of supply and winter preparedness
Ministers held an exchange of views on the state of play of security of supply and preparations for winter 2024-2025. Among other things, they addressed ways to avoid, both individually and collectively, new price shocks and to strengthen energy security, while achieving the established targets on decarbonisation and on phasing out Russian fossil fuels.
Different member states insisted that interconnections and well interconnected energy networks were an essential building block to ensure security of supply during the crisis and will be even more so in the years to come. In that respect, many insisted on the need to allocate sufficient resources to ensure the development of cross-border energy networks.
Many ministers called for phasing out the import of Russian gas, the diversification of supply routes, increasing energy efficiency, continuing sobriety efforts and speeding up electrification as important ways of increasing resilience and ensuring security of supply.
- The energy leap: How EU countries weathered a Russia-induced crisis and are reshaping energy supply (feature story)
- Energy prices and security of supply (background information)
Infographic – Gas demand reduction in the EU
In that context, they reached a political agreement on Council recommendation on continuing coordinated demand-reduction measures for gas. This non-binding instrument encourages member states to continue their efforts of reducing their gas demand by 15% (compared to the reference period of 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2022), while acknowledging specific circumstances.
- Security of gas supply: member states agree on recommendation to continue voluntary demand reduction measures (press release, 4 March 2024)
- Council formally adopts 15% gas demand reduction target (press release, 30 March 2023)
- Council adopts regulation on reducing gas demand by 15% this winter (press release, 5 August 2022)
We have come a long way since 2022 through adopting coordinated measures in the EU and responding swiftly to the energy crisis caused by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The political agreement reached today shows our commitment to remain prepared against any supply disruptions and to guarantee a safe winter for our citizens and industries.
Tinne Van der Straeten, Belgian Minister for Energy
Flexibility as a tool for energy transition
Ministers also had an exchange of views on flexibility as an essential tool for energy transition and to allow the decoupling of Russian fossil fuels.
They identified the most important bottlenecks in terms of leveraging flexibility, as well as possible incentives through support schemes. They discussed technical, regulatory and economic barriers to unlocking flexibility at the level of individual household consumers.
Furthermore, they identified electrification of industries and cross-border interconnection as large-scale means of flexibility. To conclude, they also exchanged views on any possible changes to national tariff systems for transmission and distribution grid operators, following the recent electricity market reform, as a way to incentivise flexibility.
Solar power sector in Europe
Over lunch, ministers discussed the state of the solar power sector in Europe. They discussed the important contribution that solar photovoltaics can bring to the decoupling of Russian fossil fuels by 2027 (under the REPowerEU plan, it is expected that it could replace 9bcm of gas).
Ministers took well note of the explanations by the invited guests from Solar Power Europe and the European Solar Manufacturing Council. They commented the impressive acceleration that took place in the deployment of solar photovoltaics all over Europe, while also taking note that the Commission considers that more needs to be done.
Ministers also broadly supported the development and implementation of actions to support and scale up the European solar manufacturing, inter alia through a focus on innovation and targeted auctions, while many warned against restrictive measures on solar imports.
Other business
Under any other business, the Commission informed ministers about the progress made by member states with a view to achieving the 2030 objectives for energy and climate.
Ministers were also informed about the energy situation in Ukraine by Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko (via VTC).
The Lithuanian delegation called on the European Commission to explore any urgent action and put forward the necessary legislative proposals to enforce the deadline of 1 January 2027 at the latest for phasing out gas imports, including LNG from Russia, while insisting that such legislation should empower member states to take the necessary measures at national level to meet such a deadline.
The Austrian, Czech, Hungarian and Slovakian energy ministers provided information about the impacts of the gas storage neutrality charge and the need for better coordination at European level.
The Council also adopted without discussion the items on the lists of legislative and non-legislative A items.
Meeting information
- Meeting n°4008
- Brussels
- 4 March 2024
Preparatory documents
- Provisional agenda
- List of A items, non-legislative activities
- List of A items, legislative deliberations
- Background brief
Outcome documents
Press releases
- Security of gas supply: member states agree on recommendation to continue voluntary demand reduction measures
- Interoperable Europe act: Council adopts new law for more efficient digital public services across the EU
- E-waste: Council adopts amendments to clarify who pays for management costs
Remarks by Commissioner Simson at the press conference of the Energy Council
“Check against delivery”
Ladies and Gentlemen, good afternoon!
As the Minister Van der Straeten mentioned, the Belgian Presidency today chose gas security of supply as the focus.
This was a timely choice, as we are now ending the heating season and must start preparing ourselves for next winter.
We discussed in particular four elements: the gas market outlook, the impact of the end of gas transit via Ukraine, the need for continued gas demand reduction, and finally as proposed by Lithuania how to reduce the imports of Russian LNG.
I will start with the outlook.
Europe is today in a fairly stable place.
Our REPowerEU framework has delivered concrete results in two years.
Russian gas supplies accounted for 15% of the EU total gas imports last year, compared to 24% in 2022 and as high as 45% the year before the war started.
Overall, gas imports from Russia decreased by 71% since 2021.
EU gas prices have gone down significantly and are now quite stable. They closed last week at around 25 EUR/MWh. This is a level last recorded before the war started.
Gas storage is at 62%. At this pace, we will arrive at the end of the heating season with a storage level between 45 and 55%. This is a good basis to start the new injection season.
On the supply side, the gas market is well supplied. Europe can rely on a solid network of reliable suppliers. Our main suppliers now are Norway and the US.
Our efforts have paid off.
Looking forward, I today presented to Ministers the Commission’s review of Member States’ preparedness for the end of Russian gas transit through Ukraine.
The transit agreement between Gazprom and Naftogaz is due to expire on 31 December 2024. Last year, this route transported 14 bcm of Russian gas, mainly towards Central and South-Eastern Member States.
We have now reviewed with Member States what the impact would be for them without this transit route.
The conclusion is clear: after two years of REPowerEU work, the EU has a diversified network of alternative transport infrastructure. Member States have options to source gas from other routes. The shortfall left by the stop of Russian supplies through this route can be absorbed by the European market.
The EU has no interest in prolonging the trilateral agreement with Russia. The focus should now be on supporting Ukraine and on how to best use its gas infrastructure and storage in the future, integrating it further in the EU energy market.
Some Member States have noted that the use of alternative supply routes could lead to higher transport costs.
Therefore, we discussed the continued importance of gas demand reduction.
I am pleased that the Ministers today found an agreement on the Commission recommendation to continue voluntary demand reduction by 15% over the next year.
So far, demand reduction measures saved around 18% of gas consumption between August 2022 and January this year.
We will continue these demand reduction efforts now on a non- binding legal basis.
This is another sign that we are gradually moving out of the emergency phase.
We also discussed how barriers to the Single Market, like storage levies applied at interconnection points, can make diversification more difficult and costly. I mentioned that transport might be the fee that implies higher costs, so it is very important that all Member States avoid unilateral measures.
Finally, we also discussed the specific situation regarding Russian LNG imports to the EU.
In terms of volumes, these imports have remained stable. Last year European companies imported around 18 of Russian LNG.
I have repeated that we cannot afford Russia to compensate through LNG channels some of the volumes it has cut off by unilateral decisions via pipeline exports.
The Gas Package, which we agreed last year, gives each Member States the option to limit or stop access of Russian and Belarus gas to their gas systems, under certain conditions. The plenary vote of the European Parliament is now planned for April.
We must end this year with even less Russian gas in our system than the year before.
Beside security of supply, this Council was also about our decarbonisation challenge.
Renewables helped us significantly cut our dependence on Russian gas consumption.
Following our discussion last December, we exchanged on how to remove barriers to the flexibility solutions that are needed for a viable decarbonised electricity system.
Finally, I am very grateful to Tinne for choosing to dedicate our lunch discussion to the situation of the solar sector with representatives of the sector.
There is a stark contrast between the positive rapid deployment of solar PVs in Europe and the very fragile situation of European manufacturers, squeezed by a surge in cheap imports from third countries.
We all agreed that we need a policy that safeguards the speeding up of our solar PVs deployment, but also preserves a competitive, sustainable and innovative EU industrial base in the sector.
I have proposed policy ideas together with Commissioner Breton in a recent letter, and these have found support.
I will now work on a Solar Power Pledge, where Member States and stakeholders would commit to take concrete actions to support our production here in Europe.
Finally, last weekend marked two years since Russia launched its unjustified war against Ukraine.
It was therefore a particular honour to hear the Energy Minister of Ukraine, German Galushchenko, debrief our Council meeting.
From our side, we confirmed our continued commitment to stand by Ukraine.
I am especially proud of two successes from the past two years. First is the creation of the Ukraine Energy Support Facility, jointly with the Energy Community, which has now raised 405 million euros and helps us restore the energy infrastructure damaged by Russian attacks.
The second is the synchronisation of the Ukrainian electricity network with Continental Europe, which ensures stability to electricity supply to Ukraine, as well as some export revenues for them.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today’s discussions really confirmed that Europe remains resilient and well prepared for next winter.
And this Council also showed that we remain as committed as ever to supporting Ukraine, and we will stay the course to create a better and cleaner energy future for our consumers.
Thank you.
BMWK: EU-Mitgliedstaaten betonen Bedeutung der Flexibilisierung des europäischen Energiesystems als wesentliches Element der Energiewende
Die EU-Energieministerinnen und -minister haben sich bei ihrem heutigen Treffen in Brüssel auf die Empfehlung zur Fortsetzung koordinierter Maßnahmen zur Senkung der Gasnachfrage verständigt. Diese empfiehlt die Gaseinsparbemühungen der vergangenen zwei Jahre mit Blick zur weiteren Stärkung der Versorgungssicherheit beizubehalten. Sie sendet ein klares Signal, das Europa beim Thema Versorgungssicherheit weiter zusammensteht. Außerdem haben die EU-Energieministerinnen und -minister über die laufenden Vorbereitungen für den kommenden Winter beraten.
Darüber hinaus stand das Thema Flexibilität als wesentliches Instrument der Energiewende im Mittelpunkt. Im künftigen Stromsystem werden Nachfrageflexibilität und Speicher eine herausragende Rolle spielen, um Stromnachfrage und -erzeugung durch Erneuerbare Energien aufeinander abzustimmen und die Notwendigkeit der fossilen Erzeugung zu verringern.
Staatssekretär Sven Giegold: Um das Potential der erneuerbaren Energien zur vollen Geltung bringen, brauchen wir eine europäische Flexibilitätsstrategie. Europa braucht mehr grenzüberschreitende Stromübertragungsinfrastruktur, modernisierte Verteilnetzinfrastruktur und mehr Anreize für eine flexible Stromnachfrage durch dynamische Stromtarife und Entgeltregelungen. Flexibilität im Energiesystem ist der Schlüssel zu günstigen, wettbewerbsfähigen Strompreisen ebasierend auf Erneuerbaren Energien. Wenn wir den Verbrauch von den teuersten 500 bis 1000 Stunden in die Zeiten mit viel Wind und Sonne verschieben, bekommen wir wirklich günstige Strompreise für Unternehmen und Verbraucher. Daran haben wir bislang noch viel zu wenig gearbeitet. Die Bundesregierung unterstützt die Flexibilisierungsinitiativen aus Brüssel und wird Flexibilisierung auch auf nationaler Ebene strategisch voranbringen.
Am Morgen haben die Energieministerinnen und -minister der „Allianz der Erneuerbaren Energien“, zu der neben dem deutschen Energie- und Klimaminister die Ressortchefs 10 weiterer Mitgliedstaaten gehören, ein Joint Communiqué am Rande des Energierats verabschiedet.
- Die Allianz hebt die Bedeutung von Erneuerbaren Energien und Energieeffizienz für Europas Dekarbonisierung und Wettbewerbsfähigkeit hervor. Das Impact Assessment der EU Kommission zum 2040-Klimaziel zeigt, dass Erneuerbare Energien bis zu drei Viertel des Bruttoendenergieverbrauchs und 90 % des Stromverbrauchs der EU im Jahr 2040 ausmachen werden.
- Die Allianz begrüßt die Ankündigung der EU Kommission, einen politischen Rahmen für die Zeit nach 2030 zu entwickeln. Ein klarer und verlässlicher Rechtsrahmen auf europäischer Ebene für den Energiesektor bis 2040 ist für die Investitionssicherheit notwendig, um den Ausbau der Erneuerbaren Energien und Netze mit der notwendigen Geschwindigkeit voranzutreiben. Die Allianz vereinbart, dazu gemeinsame Ideen zu entwickeln.
- Die Allianz betont die Bedeutung von Infrastrukturinvestitionen, Nachfrageflexibilität und Speicher, um das europäische Stromsystem fit für den hohen Anteil an Erneuerbaren Energien zu machen.
Heute ist Spanien der Erneuerbaren-Allianz beigetreten, nachdem sie während ihrer Ratspräsidentschaft eine neutrale Rolle eingenommen hatten. Dies wurde allgemein als wichtiges politisches Signal begrüßt.
Zudem haben die EU-Energieministerinnen und -minister mit Vertretern der Solarindustrie über Maßnahmen zum Erhalt und möglichen Ausbau der europäischen Solarindustrie gesprochen. Europas Abhängigkeit von chinesischen Importen beim Aufbau von Photovoltaik-Anlagen ist enorm. In der EU wurden im vergangenen Jahr 56 GW ausgebaut. Die EU benötigt zukünftig zwischen 80-90 GW PV-Solarenergie pro Jahr, verfügt derzeit aber nur über knapp 4 GW an Produktionskapazitäten im Bereich der PV-Module. Entlang der Wertschöpfungskette Ingots/Wafer und Zellen sind die europäischen Produktionskapazitäten sehr viel geringer.
Staatssekretär Sven Giegold: Wir brauchen zeitnah weitere gemeinsame Anstrengungen auch auf europäischer Ebene, um die EU Solarindustrie durch gezielte Maßnahmen zu stärken. Handelsbeschränkungen sind nicht der richtige Weg. Das würde den PV-Ausbau insgesamt verteuern und verlangsamen und die Energiewende gefährden. Die Bundesregierung schlägt europäische Resilienzausschreibungen vor, die die nationalen Ausschreibungen ergänzen und Europas Solarwirtschaft stärkt.
- Erneuerbare Energien – Öffnet Einzelsicht
- Europäische Klimaschutzpolitik – Öffnet Einzelsicht
- Europäische Energiepolitik – Öffnet Einzelsicht