The European Commission believes EU governments could cut natural gas use by about 15 billion cubic metres this year, according to Ruud Kempener, deputy head of unit for energy security and safety at DG Energy.
Kempener set out the estimate on Wednesday while speaking at the Flame energy conference in Amsterdam. He said that regulations established in response to the energy crisis that followed Moscow's invasion of Ukraine now allow member states to react more effectively to supply disruptions - including those linked to the Iran war.
With those regulatory tools in place, the Commission is collaborating with national authorities to pinpoint measures aimed at lowering demand across fuels. Kempener said Brussels and member states are identifying actions that could reduce consumption of gas, oil and oil products, though he did not list specific measures.
On the scale of potential savings, the EU official said Brussels' estimate for gas reductions comes from increases in energy efficiency, but he offered no further detail on which efficiency initiatives or timelines underpin the figure. The comment highlights a focus on demand-side responses alongside other energy security measures already adopted at the EU level.
Context and approach
Kempener emphasised that the regulatory framework developed after the disruption triggered by Moscow's invasion of Ukraine provides member states with mechanisms to react to new shocks. He linked this preparedness to today's efforts to identify demand-reduction steps that could limit reliance on gas and liquid fuels in the near term.
While the Commission's estimate points to a quantifiable potential reduction in gas consumption, Kempener did not provide additional details on the specific policies, the division of responsibilities between Brussels and national governments, or the timeline for implementation.
Implications highlighted
The announcement frames energy efficiency as a key lever for the EU to reduce fuel demand. Brussels is working with member states to translate that potential into concrete measures aimed at gas, oil and oil products, but the exact instruments and their deployment remain unspecified in the official's remarks.