Accelerating fossil gas independence in Europe
How Europe can cut gas imports in half without breaking the bank
Europe could cut its natural gas consumption by 50% and eliminate dependence on imports for just 16 billion euros per year—comparable to what consumers already pay when gas prices rise slightly. Yet even with this dramatic reduction, Europe would remain vulnerable to global gas price swings because gas plants still set electricity prices across the continent.
Russia's weaponization of gas supplies has exposed Europe's strategic weakness. This research shows that energy independence is actually affordable, not a luxury. But it also reveals a trap: without additional safeguards, Europeans could still face price shocks from global markets even after becoming self-sufficient, meaning policy must go beyond just building alternatives to actually shield consumers from volatility.