Europe is expected to expand renewable energy by a record 89 GW this year, even if it opens up to buying more American gas. This is according to EU Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen, who is participating in WindEurope's annual event, which is taking place in Copenhagen this year, on Thursday.
- There is potential for us to buy more gas from the US, but of course it must be on terms that are also in line with our green transition, Dan Jørgensen tells the Financial Times.
The announcement comes shortly after Trump introduced a 90-day tariff pause. However, the expectation remains that Trump will demand agreements with the EU and other affected parties in order to refrain from reintroducing the tariffs. Here, gas could become a crucial element in the EU's negotiations with the US.
Trump has calculated the US trade deficit with the EU at 350 billion dollars (approximately 2,470 billion kroner). This calculation has been criticized by the European side for ignoring the US surplus with the EU when it comes to sales of digital services. However, Trump believes that the trade deficit can be quickly closed if the EU buys more energy from the US.
Dan Jørgensen emphasizes that any additional purchases of American gas will not change the EU's goals for the green transition.
- When the US takes a step back on the green transition, Europe must take a step forward.
- We must build on our strengths and use them as the basis for creating a true energy union, says Dan Jørgensen.
A fully developed energy union will mean closer cooperation between EU countries on energy with the aim of bringing down energy prices.
- With the expectation of another record year for the expansion of renewable energy, the green transition is moving forward. But we are far from the goal, more needs to be done.
- We need to support Europe's wind sector and accelerate the roll-out of renewable energy with faster approvals as one of the key elements, says Dan Jørgensen.
The expectation of an expansion of 89 GW in 2025 will increase the installed capacity by a further 16 percent. According to Dan Jørgensen, this will correspond to a saving of approximately 16 billion cubic meters of gas. However, Europe is still dependent on buying gas, some of which still comes from Russia. Therefore, there is the possibility of moving part of the gas purchase to the USA as part of a tariff agreement with Trump.
According to Dan Jørgensen, the 89 GW this year comes on top of the 78 GW that was to be installed in 2024 and the 71 GW that has been installed in 2023.
- This will make a real difference. Every time we build 1 GW of wind capacity in Europe, we can supply around 560,000 European homes with green and safe energy.
- That's why we need to accelerate the expansion of green energy, says Dan Jørgensen.
jel /ritzau/
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