- By 2025 energy efficiency, clean heat and renewables could replace four times the gas we import from Russia – faster than the time it takes to build a new oil and gas field.
- These solutions would also lower consumers’ energy bills for the long term, which more gas drilling in UK cannot do.
- Onshore wind and solar power are the electricity sources that can reduce our reliance on Russian gas fastest, given their short construction times.
Story on the fastest way to get off Russian gas
Energy efficiency and renewables can fully eliminate the UK’s reliance on Russian gas imports and protect consumers from volatile energy prices, new E3G research finds. By 2025, these solutions could replace four times the gas we currently import from Russia – before any new oil and gas fields could even be brought online.
Boris Johnson is due to outline a new UK Energy Supply Strategy by the end of the month. Soon after, household energy bills will rise by 50% as Ofgem’s energy price cap rise comes into effect in April.
Energy bills have rocketed following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. A new briefing from E3G highlights that reducing energy waste in homes and switching to clean heat is the quickest solution to household energy bills – and will generate long-term savings. Alongside this, onshore wind and solar projects can be constructed within two years and are now the cheapest power sources in the UK.
Due to the time it takes to explore for more sources of gas, future oil and gas licensing rounds will not play a part in ending the UK’s reliance on Russian gas. Additional domestic production will do nothing to change the prices consumers pay for oil and gas, which are set by the international market.
New E3G briefing: Addressing the UK’s energy needs at speed
Quote on the fastest way to get off Russian gas
Euan Graham, Senior Researcher at E3G said:
“The new Energy Supply Strategy should supercharge the best solutions for British businesses and families. Rather than backing unpopular and expensive red herrings like fracking, the Prime Minister must double-down on energy efficiency and renewables which can deliver huge energy savings – getting us off Putin’s gas at top speed.”
Ed Matthew, Campaigns Director at E3G said:
“The UK has the most badly insulated housing stock in western Europe. We need a war-like effort to insulate all homes within a decade, leaving no home behind. This must be backed up by a long-term public investment plan. It could save households hundreds of pounds and is the fastest way to end our addiction to fossil fuels. Energy independence starts at home.”
Available for comment
Euan Graham is available for commentary – please contact them directly:
+44 (0) 7879 384 555
euan.graham@e3g.org
Ed Matthew is available for commentary – please contact them directly:
+44 (0) 7827 157 906
ed.matthew@e3g.org
ENDS
Notes to Editors
- E3G’s new research can be accessed here.
- Onshore wind and solar projects awaiting construction can deliver gas savings equivalent to 117% of current imports of Russian gas by 2025. Energy efficiency and clean heat measures in households, commercial buildings and industry can deliver savings equivalent to 326% of current imports of Russian gas by 2025. The average construction time for a fully approved oil and gas field is three years. This means that these measures combined can replace four times the gas we import from Russia faster than a new oil and gas field can come online.
- For new exploration licences for oil and gas, the average time taken for an oil and gas field to progress from first discovery to first production is 28 years.
- Research by the Climate Change Committee has highlighted that additional domestic production will not affect the price that consumers pay for oil and gas.
- Energy efficiency and clean heating measures in homes could save each household an average of £150 this year.
- E3G is an independent European climate change think tank with a global outlook. We work on the frontier of the climate landscape, tackling the barriers and advancing the solutions to a safe climate. Our goal is to translate climate politics, economics and policies into action. About – E3G
- For further enquiries email press@e3g.org or phone +44 (0)7783 787 863
