As the world becomes increasingly conscious of the impact of fossil fuels on the environment, the demand for alternative energy sources has never been higher.
Europe, in particular, has been actively seeking solutions to reduce its dependence on gas from traditional sources. In this article, we will look in-depth at Europe’s search for alternate gas solutions and what it could mean for the future.
Europe’s Dependence on Gas from Traditional Sources
For decades, Europe has relied heavily on gas from traditional sources such as Russia, Norway, and Algeria to meet its energy needs. In 2019, these three countries accounted for over 70% of Europe’s total gas imports.
However, with the increasing push towards renewable energy and the desire to reduce dependence on a limited number of suppliers, Europe is now looking for alternative solutions.
The Shift towards Renewable Energy
Europe has set ambitious targets for renewable energy, intending to achieve 32% of its energy consumption from renewable sources by 2030. To achieve this target, the European Union has launched several initiatives aimed at promoting the use of renewable energy and reducing the dependency on traditional sources of energy.
This shift towards renewable energy has made it necessary for Europe to find alternative sources of gas.
The Quest for Alternate Gas Solutions
In recent years, Europe has been exploring alternative gas sources, including liquified natural gas (LNG) and shale gas. LNG is natural gas that has been cooled to a liquid form, making it easier to transport and store.
On the other hand, shale gas is natural gas extracted from underground shale rock formations.
Liquified Natural Gas (LNG)
LNG has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional gas sources in Europe. The ability to import LNG from countries such as the US and Australia has increased the diversity of Europe’s gas supplies and reduced its dependence on a limited number of suppliers.
In 2020, Europe imported more than 50 million tonnes of LNG, a significant increase from previous years.
Shale Gas
Shale gas has also gained attention as a potential alternate gas solution for Europe. The extraction of shale gas has become increasingly technologically advanced, making it possible to extract more gas with less impact on the environment.
However, the use of shale gas is controversial due to the potential effects on groundwater and the use of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) to extract the gas.
The Future of Gas in Europe
As Europe continues to explore alternate gas solutions, it is clear that the future of gas in the region is uncertain. While LNG and shale gas have emerged as promising options, the full impact of these solutions on the environment and energy security is yet to be seen.
As the world continues to search for sustainable energy solutions, it is likely that Europe will continue to play a leading role in this effort.
Conclusion
Europe’s search for alternate gas solutions is a testament to its commitment to reducing its dependence on traditional sources of energy and promoting the use of renewable energy.
With the increasing push towards renewable energy and the desire to reduce reliance on a limited number of suppliers, it is clear that the future of gas in Europe is uncertain. However, exploring alternative solutions, such as LNG and shale gas, has provided some promising options for the future.
