Despite efforts from the EU to reduce dependence on Russian energy supplies, the continent’s reliance on Russian gas is growing. The European Commission has proposed a new set of sanctions against Russia over its role in Ukraine, including measures that would ban imports of certain goods and restrict access for companies doing business with Russia. The low price of Russian gas, as well as its reliability as a supplier, present a major challenge to diversification efforts. Liquefied gas does not depend so heavily on Russia, but incurs great expense in terms of regasification plants. Photographer: North Africa as a supplier is not seen as reliable due to instability in the region, while North Sea resources are declining.
Despite efforts from the EU to reduce dependence on Russian energy supplies, the continent’s reliance on Russian gas is growing. The European Commission has proposed a new set of sanctions against Russia over its role in Ukraine, including measures that would ban imports of certain goods and restrict access for companies doing business with Russia. The low price of Russian gas, as well as its reliability as a supplier, present a major challenge to diversification efforts. Liquefied gas does not depend so heavily on Russia, but incurs great expense in terms of regasification plants. North Africa as a supplier is not seen as reliable due to instability in the region, while North Sea resources are declining.