As Europe seeks to navigate the twin challenges of energy security and climate commitments in the wake of geopolitical shifts, activist groups spotlight the contradiction inherent in ramping up gas infrastructure against the backdrop of global decarbonisation pledges.
European activists are voicing concerns over the continent’s accelerated expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, which they claim contradicts commitments to decarbonise and exacerbates climate change. The campaign group Beyond Fossil Fuels discovered that just 2% of Europe’s gas capacity is slated for retirement, with European governments planning to increase gas generation capacity by 27%. This increase in fossil fuel reliance emerges despite the International Energy Agency’s recommendations for rich countries to transition their electricity grids away from carbon within a decade to limit global warming.
The criticism arrives as Europe faces energy price surges and security dilemmas following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, driving a hunt for alternative gas sources. However, activists argue that this pivot to gas undermines the global pledge to phase out fossil fuels, warning of the long-term dangers such as energy security threats, price volatility, and escalating emissions.
Meanwhile, the push to amplify renewable energy development by 2030 is encountering significant barriers, including rising interest rates, inflation, and supply chain issues. These obstacles are particularly pronounced in developing countries, where borrowing costs are higher. Despite these hindrances, initiatives in places like Sprakebuell, Germany spotlight the community and environmental benefits of harnessing wind power, signalling the potential of renewables to contribute to climate goals and local prosperity.
Amidst these energy debates, the National Grid anticipates a dramatic increase in power consumption by data centres due to advancements in AI and quantum computing. This anticipated surge in electricity demand underscores the urgency of transitioning to sustainable energy solutions to accommodate future technology needs without exacerbating the climate crisis.