Fossil Gas Dependency in Europe: Italy, UK, and Germany at Risk of Climate Goals
Three European countries—Italy, the UK, and Germany—rely heavily on fossil gas for electricity. A report from Beyond Fossil Fuels warns that increasing gas power risks undermining climate commitments and locking in fossil fuels for decades. European nations plan to add 80 gigawatts (GW) of gas-fired power capacity, which is a 32% increase.
At the COP29 climate conference, countries aim to show leadership but may end up entrenching high-carbon power systems. Alexandru Mustață from Beyond Fossil Fuels states that adding new gas plants contradicts the goal of a clean power system. He expresses concern that Europe’s infrastructure plans clash with climate targets, creating long-term fossil fuel dependence and leading to climate chaos.
The analysis covers Italy, Germany, the UK, Bulgaria, Romania, and Poland. Together, Italy, Germany, and the UK are responsible for 45% of Europe’s current gas power capacity and plan half of the new additions. Each country aims to decarbonize by 2035, with the UK targeting clean power by 2030. However, these countries lack strategies to halt the use of existing gas plants, which could undermine their clean energy goals.
Poland, Romania, and Bulgaria plan to increase their gas capacity from 9 to 24 GW. Many of these projects receive financial support from taxpayers or the EU, intended for modernization and sustainability.
How can Europe effectively transition from fossil gas to renewable energy sources?
Interview with Alexandru Mustață from Beyond Fossil Fuels on Europe’s Gas Power Dilemma
News Directory 3: Thank you for joining us, Alexandru. Your recent report has sparked significant discussion about Europe’s reliance on fossil gas for electricity. Can you explain the main findings of your report?
Alexandru Mustață: Certainly. Our report highlights that Italy, the UK, and Germany together account for 45% of Europe’s current gas power capacity. Alarmingly, these nations plan to increase their gas-fired power capacity by 80 gigawatts, which is a 32% increase. This rise in fossil gas dependency directly contradicts the critical aim of achieving a clean, sustainable power system.
News Directory 3: At COP29, many countries are expected to showcase their commitment to addressing climate change. Do you believe that their actions will align with their climate commitments?
Alexandru Mustață: Unfortunately, there’s a strong possibility that we will see the entrenchment of high-carbon power systems instead of genuine leadership. Many countries may present plans that sound ambitious, yet the reality is that adding new gas plants creates a substantial reliance on fossil fuels, which jeopardizes long-term climate objectives.
News Directory 3: You mentioned the goal of decarbonization by 2035 for these countries. Can you elaborate on the impact of not having a clear strategy to phase out existing gas plants?
Alexandru Mustață: The lack of a strategy to retire existing gas plants is troubling. If countries like Italy, Germany, and the UK do not address the continuation of these plants, it could frustrate their own decarbonization targets. The plans for increased gas capacity actually lock us into fossil fuel dependence longer than necessary, paving the way to climate chaos rather than a sustainable future.
News Directory 3: Your report also discusses the gas capacity expansion in Poland, Romania, and Bulgaria. What are the implications of this move?
Alexandru Mustață: Poland, Romania, and Bulgaria planning to ramp up their gas capacity from 9 to 24 GW emphasizes a trend toward fossil fuel dependence rather than sustainable development. Many of these projects are funded through taxpayer money and EU support under the guise of modernization. This tactic diverts necessary funds away from renewable energy initiatives and infrastructure that Europe needs to transition away from fossil fuels.
News Directory 3: In light of these developments, what is the current state of fossil gas in Europe’s energy mix?
Alexandru Mustață: As of 2023, fossil gas comprised 24% of Europe’s electricity generation, with very little progress in closing down gas plants. Only four plants were shut down this year, and only seven are scheduled to close by 2035. This situation is deeply concerning, especially since developed nations must decarbonize to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C.
News Directory 3: What do you see as the key priorities for Europe moving forward?
Alexandru Mustață: The foremost priority is to shift investment away from fossil gas and towards renewable energy sources, along with upgrading the electricity grids and enhancing storage solutions. If Europe is serious about meeting its climate targets and ensuring energy security, we must stop locking ourselves into fossil fuel infrastructure that is both costly and detrimental to the environment.
News Directory 3: Thank you for your insights, Alexandru. It’s clear that the path forward requires urgent and decisive action in Europe’s energy policy.
Alexandru Mustață: Thank you for having me. The choices we make now will have long-lasting effects, and we must act responsibly to steer towards a sustainable and resilient energy future.
In 2023, fossil gas accounted for 24% of Europe’s electricity, with minimal progress on retiring gas plants. Only four gas plants have closed in 2023, and only seven are scheduled to close by 2035, when developed nations must decarbonize to align with a 1.5°C temperature goal.
The report highlights underinvestment in renewable energy infrastructure. Funds are primarily directed toward gas exploration and related projects. This trend could make Europe more dependent on imported fossil fuels and detracts from investments needed for renewables, electricity grids, and storage solutions.