Household Energy Efficiency, Diversification of Suppliers and Renewable Hydrogen Production - The Pillars of European Energy Independence

Abstract

The article presents analysis of the potential for increased household energy efficiency, diversification of suppliers and renewable hydrogen production, as potential drivers towards greater European energy independence. It is a companion piece to an article [1] that we presented at the 14th BulEF conference on the Russo-Ukrainian conflict and its implications for a deepening of European energy integration. In our upcoming work, we present the relevant statistical data and develop projections, regarding the likelihood of achieving energy independence only through these three strategic approaches. Our conclusion is that it is highly unlikely that gains in these areas alone would be sufficient to offset the loss of Russian energy imports by the year 2030, as pledged by the Commission on March 8, 2022.