The “Five Energy Forum” meeting was completed on December 18, 2023, with the participation of Germany, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France and Switzerland, which are the EU’s giant energy producers and cover the continuation of production on the continent. The main focus of the speeches and papers presented at the forum was the already completed COP28 commitments and a carbon-free energy transition. As it is known, these countries have decided to turn to energy systems that do not emit carbon emissions until 2035.
Based on the road map of the International Energy Agency (IEA) towards the zero emissions target, the seven countries decided that timely decarbonization of the power system is a prerequisite for full decarbonization by 2050.[i] In the agreements made within the forum, countries reached a consensus on the principles of cooperation in achieving the determined goals. Dutch Minister of Climate and Energy Policy, Rob Jetten, reminded that electricity production in the “Five Energy Forum” countries accounts for almost half of the EU’s overall output, and stated that the rapid decarbonization of the energy systems of these seven countries will significantly reduce CO2 emissions in Europe.[ii] In addition to the statement, it was declared that there is no longer a need for power plants using coal, natural gas and fossil fuels.
In addition, it is known that the EU has greatly reduced its dependence on Russian fossil fuels since the Russia-Ukraine War. The EU, which has phased out coal imports, has reduced oil imports by 90 percent. Again, the EU reduced gas imports from 155 billion cubic meters in 2021 to approximately 80 billion cubic meters in 2022. According to official figures, it is expected that at the end of 2023 this altitude will decrease to 40-45 billion cubic meters.
The EU has reduced gas demand by more than 18 percent compared to the previous five years, saving approximately 53 billion cubic meters of gas. Gas storage facilities had 95 percent occupancy capacity before the winter of 2022-2023 but it has an occupancy rate of over 98 percent in this current winter period. The EU Energy Platform has organized three rounds of joint gas purchases, aggregating demand for 44.75 billion cubic meters and matching it with supply offers of 52 billion cubic metres. Major energy reforms were made in contracts to make energy prices affordable for residential consumption.
The period 2022-2023 was a record period for new solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity (+41 GW). This rate is 60 percent higher than the capacity in 2021 (+26 GW). New onshore and offshore wind capacity was 45 percent higher than in 2021. In 2022, 39 percent of electricity was produced by renewable energy sources, and in May, wind and solar energy surpassed fossil fuels in EU electricity production for the first time. Legal targets have been agreed for renewable energy to have a minimum share of 42.5 percent in the EU by 2030, with a target of reaching 45 percent.[iii] Energy efficiency targets have also been increased with the aim of reducing final energy consumption by 11.7 percent by 2030.
While gas prices peaked at 294 €/MWh in August 2022, they decreased to an average of 44 €/MWh in the January-June 2023 period. Electricity prices peaked at 474 €/MWh in August 2022 and have decreased to an average of 107 €/MWh since 2023.[iv] Despite this, multiple analysis and research warn that there is no need for complacency.
Albert Rosti, Head of the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications, said the following in his statement to the country’s public broadcaster SFR:[v]
“Phasing out fossil fuels makes sense if the electricity imported is also fossil-free. We assume that existing nuclear power plants will operate for longer than the projected 50 years. “We think they have been operating for at least 60 years now.”
In the statement made here, it is understood how big a key nuclear energy still is for the EU. In the transition to renewable energy, the importance of nuclear power plants, called large power plants, remains important in reducing current carbon emission rates. Stable growth in energy has a direct impact on the industrialization and growth of countries. Carrying out the green energy transformation in a planned and stable manner, rather than radically, will ensure that the economic and industrial powers of the EU countries are protected in global competition.
Regarding the green transformation, it is not enough to abandon only fossil fuel-based energy types. Even though practices such as short-term contract purchases, flexibility in bilateral agreements and state subsidies in the energy reforms carried out by the EU towards the end of this year are legal and political moves, it is very important to reinforce them with studies in the field of engineering.
With the energy efficiency zones initiated in countries such as Germany and France, which have become a new trend among EU countries, it is now known that meteorological differences brought about by seasonal conditions lead to different application areas in energy consumption. If we examine the example of France, eight different climate zones have been determined in the country, and energy consumption from industry to residence has been ensured in a geographically appropriate and efficient manner. Since the use of millions of heating and cooling systems in both residential and industrial areas on the continent directly affects global warming; The use of refrigerants with zero risk of damaging the ozone layer (ODP) and zero carbon dioxide emission rate (CIP) also supports the EU’s green transformation plans.
Finally, another investment in the interconnected system, which is indispensable for the entire continent, is trending towards wind energy. In addition to non-continuous energy production in wind energy, offshore wind power plants that produce continuous and large-scale energy appear to be the key to green transformation for Northern European countries. The EU is determined to continue the large lithium-ion batteries, aquifer energy storage systems and energy conversion based on hydrogen energy projects with firm steps, which are planned to be completed in 2025 and 2026.
[i] “Seven European Countries To Shut Down All CO2-Emitting Power Plants By 2035”, Balkan Green Energy News, https://balkangreenenergynews.com/seven-european-countries-to-shut-down-all-co2-emitting-power-plants-by-2035/, (Date Accesion: 19.12.2023).
[ii] Ibıd.
[iii] “REPowerEU: A Plan To Rapidly Reduce Dependence On Russian Fossil Fuels And Fast Forward The Green Transition.”, European Commission, https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_22_3131, (Date Accesion: 18.12.2023).
[iv] “Enerji Birliği Durum Raporu 2023: AB, REPowerEU Hedeflerine Ulaşma Yolunda İlerliyor.”, Temiz Enerji, https://t.ly/VXb2P, (Date Accesion: 26.10.2023).
[v] “Switzerland, 6 EU Members Agree To Decarbonize Power Generation”, AA, https://www.aa.com.tr/en/environment/switzerland-6-eu-members-agree-to-decarbonize-power-generation/3087374, (Date Accesion: 20.12.2023).
