Europe Considers Reducing Energy Demand as Prices Soar

ILLUSTRATION UNSPLASH/Tasos Mansour

JAKARTA - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed the need to reduce energy demand as part of efforts to address the ongoing crisis, along with rising prices amid Middle East tensions.

Referring to the increasing European bloc bill for fossil fuel imports which has increased to more than 22 billion euros (Rp445 trillion) in the last 44 days, von der Leyen mentioned a series of steps to target energy demand.

"The cheapest energy is the energy that is not used. We must reduce demand while fully respecting consumers' free choice. So, we are considering energy efficiency levels, such as building renovations or equipment updates in industrial operations," he said, stressing the need to find ways to reduce energy demand. as reported by ANTARA from Anadolu, Tuesday, April 14.

VonderLeyen said the European Union was considering coordinating the filling of member states' gas storage across the bloc to avoid market competition as well as the release of joint oil stocks to maximize impact, while ensuring emergency measures did not affect the single market.

"What we are seeing in the Middle East is not a distant crisis, but in a world where everything is connected, the impact is immediate and immediate," he added.

He also warned the bloc was paying a "very high price" for its over-reliance on fossil fuels.

"The grim reality for our continent is that fuel energy will remain the most expensive option in the years to come," vonder Leyen said.

He also noted their strategy for decarbonization has been confirmed in recent years.

"The goal is very clear. We need to increase the production of affordable and reliable domestic energy," he said.