Tag: gas crisis

Our challenge is to deliver energy transition at least cost: Ofgem’s Jonathan Brearley

Our challenge is to deliver energy transition at least cost: Ofgem’s Jonathan Brearley

November 27, 2025 |

Whatever political choices are made, strategically it is very clear we need to move to a different system that manages risks in the best interests of consumers. We need to invest now to build out a system that’s secure, affordable, and fit for the future – and Ofgem can help deliver this at least cost. Yes that means investment in the short term… but that investment is the best way to ensure our energy security and greater stability for bills over the medium and long term. It’s a big challenge, but it’s one I believe we can meet.

Read More
Europe’s Power Generation Trends: Report

Europe’s Power Generation Trends: Report

May 12, 2023 | ,

Europe’s power system weathered a turbulent winter with the help of reduced demand combined with record renewable generation. A coal ‘comeback’ never materialised, as EU coal power fell compared to last winter. As Europe headed towards the end of 2022, the ongoing gas crisis combined with low nuclear and hydro output led to concerns about how countries would keep the lights on over winter.

Read More
A path out of the gas crisis for UK: Report

A path out of the gas crisis for UK: Report

September 27, 2022 | ,

This report by Ember sets out a potential pathway the UK could take to drastically reduce gas consumption in the power sector by 2030. It analyses cost savings from a timely transition from gas to a clean power system, as well as discussing energy security considerations and recommendations for policy support. Ember’s own power sector model is described and compared against other leading studies on the UK’s energy transition.

Read More
Europe must double its pace of wind and solar deployment: Ember

Europe must double its pace of wind and solar deployment: Ember

August 10, 2022 |

With the gas crisis and Russia’s war in Ukraine, energy security been shooting up on the top of the EU’s agenda. Seeing the urgency of reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels, the European Commission and European Union (EU) member states have increased ambition on renewable energy. However, this needs to be coupled with actual delivery through national legislation, the removal of administrative barriers, effective support schemes and increased investment.

Read More
 The Risks of Investing in Blue Hydrogen for Europe

 The Risks of Investing in Blue Hydrogen for Europe

May 25, 2022 |

Elevated gas prices and a future tight market means blue hydrogen is no longer a low-cost solution; IEEFA estimates that blue hydrogen costs published by the UK government last year are now 36% higher, calling into question continued policy support for development of the technology. Blue hydrogen is an extension of the gas value chain and does not make sense as an investment during a gas price crisis.

Read More
Reality Check: Europe Must Go Renewable to Escape Energy and Climate Crisis

Reality Check: Europe Must Go Renewable to Escape Energy and Climate Crisis

February 23, 2022 |

How did Europe find itself in its current energy crisis? Some explanations lay blame at Europe’s feet for prematurely decommissioning nuclear power plants, reducing domestic gas production, liberalizing the regional gas market, or other moves. Accelerating the build-out of the new clean energy system is the only viable long-term solution to the double crisis facing Europe in terms of both energy security and the climate emergency.

Read More
Transatlantic energy relations: The need for a new energy security narrative

Transatlantic energy relations: The need for a new energy security narrative

February 17, 2022 | ,

There is increasing international consensus around the need to shift to net-zero emissions, and growing recognition of the socioeconomic and security risks presented by climate change. Prioritising energy efficiency and accelerated clean energy deployment represents a transatlantic strategy that can yield a double dividend: boosting energy security for the European Union (EU) and Ukraine and delivering on the shared climate security agenda.

Read More
Renewables replace costly gas instead of dirtier coal in Europe: Ember

Renewables replace costly gas instead of dirtier coal in Europe: Ember

February 12, 2022 |

The gas crisis created a paradigm shift for the EU’s electricity transition. Historically, Europe’s growing renewables replaced coal power, the most emissions-intensive fuel. However, as a result of soaring gas prices in the second half of 2021, new renewables replaced fossil gas instead. With market prices indicating that the gas crisis will continue for at least the next two years, Europe’s climate goals could be at risk if countries fail to step up renewables deployment and legislate to close coal plants.

Read More