U.S. and European Commission open new chapter of energy cooperation
The United States and the European Commission announced Friday a joint task force to reduce Europe’s reliance on Russian gas to further punish Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.
During their meeting on March 25 in Brussels, U.S. President Joe Biden and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen committed to working together to support Europe’s energy security and to gradually reduce Europe’s energy dependency on Russia by investing in the clean energy transition.
The United States will strive to ensure additional liquefied natural gas (LNG) volumes for the EU market of at least 15 billion cubic meters (bam) in 2022, with expected increases going forward. The European Commission will work with EU member states toward the goal of ensuring, until at least 2030, demand for approximately 50 bcm/year of additional U.S.
“We’re going to have to make sure the families in Europe can get through this winter and the next while we’re building the infrastructure for a diversified, resilient and clean energy future,” Biden said during visit to Brussels where he met NATO, G7 and EU leaders.
The task force “will work to ensure energy security for Ukraine and the EU in preparation for next winter and the following one while supporting the EU’s goal to end its dependence on Russian fossil fuels.”
Two primary goals of the task force are:
- Diversifying liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies in alignment with climate objectives;
- Reducing demand for natural gas.
Focus on Clean Energy
During the energy cooperation, the two sides will undertake efforts to reduce the greenhouse gas intensity of all new LNG infrastructure and will use clean energy to power onsite operations, reducing methane leakage, and building clean and renewable hydrogen-ready infrastructure. “We will continue to collaborate to advance the production and use of clean and renewable hydrogen to displace unabated fossil fuels and cut greenhouse gas emissions, which will include both technology and supporting infrastructure” the joint statement. said.
Read the full joint statement by presidents of United States and European Commission.
