Europe considers reducing energy demand as prices soar

Istanbul (ANTARA) - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasised the need to reduce energy demand as part of efforts to address the ongoing crisis, alongside rising prices amid Middle East tensions.

Referring to the EU’s increased bills for fossil fuel imports, which have risen to more than €22 billion (Rp445 trillion) in the last 44 days, von der Leyen outlined a series of measures targeting energy demand.

“The cheapest energy is the energy not used. We must reduce demand while fully respecting consumers’ free choices. So, we are considering energy efficiency levels, such as building renovations or updating equipment in industrial operations,” she said, emphasising the need to find ways to lower energy demand.

“What we are seeing in the Middle East is not a distant crisis, but in a world where everything is connected, the impact is direct and immediately felt,” she added.

She also warned that the bloc is paying a very high price for its excessive dependence on fossil fuels.

“The grim reality for our continent is that fossil fuel energy will remain the most expensive choice in the coming years,” von der Leyen stated.

She also noted that their decarbonisation strategy has been confirmed in recent years.

“Our goal is very clear. We need to increase affordable and reliable domestic energy production,” she said.

Source: Anadolu