Over the past month, Germany's dependence on coal from Russia has fallen from 50 to 25 percent, oil from 35 to 25 percent, and gas from 55 to 40 percent.
Germany is sharply reducing its dependence on Russian energy, as it sees it as a path to energy security and a way to “put an end to Putin.” This was stated by the Federal Minister of Economy, Vice Chancellor of Germany Robert Habeck, presenting a new document on energy security in Germany.
Habek cited figures confirming these allegations, noting that Germany was on the right track.
According to him, over the past month, dependence on coal from Russia has decreased from 50% to 25%, oil – from 35% to 25%, gas – from 55% to 40%.
Habek made it clear that the federal government intends to “continue to make rapid progress” on this issue.
Habek expects that by the end of the summer of 2022, more Germany will completely stop importing coal from Russia.
In the case of oil, the reduction in imports will be halved by the summer.
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At the same time , Gabek acknowledged the extraordinary damage caused by the fact that German refineries and energy supply are controlled by Rosneft . Now, he said, the German authorities are trying to resolve this difficult issue.
The situation with gas is more complicated. However, according to Gabek, progress is also being made here. He expects that independence from Russian gas will be possible in the summer of 2024. In particular, the construction of LNG terminals in Brunsbüttel and Wilhelmshaven was completed.
The minister noted that “a lot has happened” in recent weeks and contracts with Russian companies have either been canceled, not renewed, or signed with new suppliers. Gabek thanked energy companies for this, as well as consumers who save money and help “harm Putin.”
He assured that Berlin would not allow Putin to blackmail himself, including demands to pay for energy in rubles.
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Habek stressed that the supply of energy from renewable sources is an integral part of energy security in Germany.
In addition, the German government will launch a program to replace heating systems that currently use oil and gas.
“Germany will be able to live without Russian energy,” Habek said.
Recall that in early March, the European Commission proposed a plan to make Europe independent of Russian fossil fuels “long before 2030”, and against the background of Russia's invasion of Ukraine to reduce dependence on gas will begin this year.
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The presented plan envisages a two-thirds reduction in EU demand for Russian gas by the end of this year.
