Birol, head of the International Energy Agency: Next winter may be more difficult

The president of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol, and the member of the EU Energy Commission, Kadri Simson, spoke at the European Parliament (EP) Committee on Industry, Research and Energy in the session on the situation of energy in the first year of the Russia-Ukraine War.

Birol, who said some EU leaders are “too confident” in their success in dealing with the energy crisis, said: “We have survived this winter, but another winter is coming.” My warning is that next winter may be tougher than this winter.” he said.

Birol pointed out that one of the reasons why Europe could get through this year without serious problems is the relatively mild winter period. he performed the assessment of it.

THE NEXT 2 YEARS WILL BE DIFFICULT

Kadri Simson said: “We shouldn’t be under the illusion that things are getting easier. This year and next will be tough. There remains a lot of uncertainty.” saying. Saying that Ukraine will be included in the EU’s joint natural gas purchase plan, Simson explained that they will thus help Ukraine to purchase an additional 2 billion cubic meters of gas.

Stating that the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant was occupied by Russian forces in violation of international agreements, Simson said this increased the risk of nuclear accidents. Simson stressed that he will propose to EU countries to extend the measure to reduce their natural gas consumption by 15 percent until next year.

Stating that EU countries and energy companies should not make new LNG purchase contracts with Russia, Simson said: “We must completely get rid of Russian gas as soon as possible.” he said.

“I encourage all member states and companies to stop buying Russian LNG and not sign new gas contracts with Russia after existing contracts expire,” Simson said. the term. (AA)