EU Sees Potential to Cut Gas Demand by 15 Bcm This Year

The European Commission said member states could reduce natural gas demand by 15 Bcm this year through efficiency measures as Europe responds to ongoing energy supply risks.

(Reuters) — The European Commission thinks that Europe can reduce natural gas consumption by 15 billion cubic meters (Bcm) this year, Ruud Kempener, deputy head of unit for energy security and safety of DG Energy at the European Commission, said on May 20.

Speaking at the Flame energy conference in Amsterdam, Kempener said European countries were better prepared to face the disruption caused by the Iran war since they already had regulation in place, allowing them to react, following the energy crisis triggered by Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

With regulation in place, Kempener said the Commission was looking, with member states, at what measures can reduce demand for gas, and also oil and oil products.

The EU official added that Brussels estimated member states could reduce gas consumption by around 15 Bcm by increasing energy efficiency, but did not elaborate further.