BRUSSELS (AP), The United States of America and the European Union announced Friday a new partnership to reduce Europe’s dependence on Russian energy. This was a step that top officials described as the beginning of a long-running initiative to further isolate Moscow following the invasion of Ukraine.
U.S. President Joe Biden stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin uses energy as a means to manipulate and coerce his neighbors, and uses the profits to fuel his war machine.
Biden stated that the partnership he announced with a top European Union official would turn that dynamic upside down by reducing Europe’s dependence on Russian energy sources and reducing Europe’s overall demand for gas.
The president stated that such a move was not only morally right, but will also help us to be more strategic.
The plan will see the U.S. and other countries increase liquified gas exports to Europe to 15 billion cubic meters. However, U.S. officials were not able to specify which countries would provide the extra energy. Future deliveries could be even greater. .
They will also try to keep their climate goals on the right track by powering gas infrastructure using clean energy and reducing methane emissions that can worsen global warming.
The White House says that while the initiative will likely require new facilities in order to import liquified petroleum gas, it is also geared towards reducing fossil fuel dependence over the long term through energy efficiency, and other sources of power.
Ursula von der Leyen (head of the EU’s executive branch) stated that Europe should shift away Russia and towards energy suppliers that are reliable, friendly, and trustworthy.
We want to reduce dependence on Russian fossilfuels and get rid it,” she stated.
Russian energy is a major source of income for Moscow. Nearly 40% of the natural gas used in the European Union comes from Russia. It is used to heat homes, produce electricity, and power industry.
Biden was seen leaving Brussels shortly after the announcement. Going to Rzeszw in PolandThe U.S. troops are located in, approximately an hour’s drive from Ukraine’s border.
He will be briefed regarding the humanitarian response to refugees fleeing Ukraine and those still in need of assistance. He will also meet with U.S. soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division. They serve alongside Polish troops.
Biden is expected to fly to Warsaw on Saturday for talks with Polish President Andrzej duda. He will also address the Polish people before departing to Washington.
Biden was in Brussels to participate in A trio of summitsNATO, the Group of Seven industrialized nation and the European Union hosted these meetings on Thursday. This extraordinary series of meetings is a reflection of growing concerns about the war on Ukraine, now in its second month.
Although Ukraine has resisted the Russian invasion more successfully than initially thought, the conflict has become a bloody and difficult affair with thousands of casualties each side and millions fleeing the country.
Western leaders are also concerned that Russian President Vladimir Putin might use chemical or nuclear weapons to regain war momentum.
Even though the U.S. is increasing its exports dramatically in recent years, it could be difficult to transport more liquefied gas to Europe. Many existing export facilities are already at full capacity and many new terminals are still in the planning stages.
According to the Center for Liquefied Natural Gas (an industry lobbying group), most U.S. shipments go to Europe. Although most of the supply is already sold to buyers there are still ways to shift it.
The U.S. has flexible LNG which can be rerouted to Europe and Asia depending on who is willing to pay the price, said Emily McClain at Rystad, gas markets analyst.
Even if the U.S. can ship more gasoline to Europe, it may not be enough to meet its needs. The location of import terminals is on the coast, which has fewer pipeline connections to distribute it.
Even if all Europe’s facilities were fully operational, the amount of gas available would likely only be about two-thirds what Russia supplies through its pipelines.
Bussewitz reported in New York. Darlene Superville, Associated Press writer from Washington, contributed to this report.
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