EU Green energy

Research by think tanks E3G and Ember showed that record-breaking wind and solar production meant the European Union averted €11 billion in extra gas costs since the Russian invasion began in February. "Wind and solar are already helping European citizens," says Dr Chris Rosslowe, senior analyst at Ember, an independent energy think tank. A quarter of the EU's electricity was generated by wind and solar from March to September - its highest-ever level, according to the report. "Surging renewable electricity has helped protect Europe from an even worse energy crisis following Russia's invasion of Ukraine," he said.

Skyrocketing gas prices have fuelled record-breaking inflation this year, sparking a cost of living crisis across Europe and pushing other parts of the world to famine.

EU decisions led to reliance on fossil fuels.

Dr Rosslowe says past policy choices increased the EU's reliance on gas and held back renewable energies. The report "brings into focus a lost decade in Europe," he says. European leaders accuse Russia of weaponising energy exports following its invasion, particularly after the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline was halted in September.

A significant lift in ambition is needed.

"With tight LNG markets sustaining high gas costs for the next years, governments need to support the clean energy ambition of RePowerEU, making it a core element of the energy price crisis response," said E3G Senior Associate Artur Patuleia.

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