Russia Halts Gas Supplies to Europe - MicroGeneration to the Rescue?

January 6, 2009

News that russia has once again switched off supplies to Europe over a disagreement with another country should act as further warning that the UK needs to actively encourage the uptake of microgeneration as quickly as possible.

It’s not entirely clear by how much supplies have been reduced, with conflicting reports from nthe varying parties involved, but reports are surfacing from Bulgaria, Macedonia and Romania of significant cuts in the quantity of gas they receive from Russia.

Although the UK has lower dependency on Russian imports thanks to the early completion of a pipeline from Norway capable of carrying upto 1/5 of the UK’s energy needs, it’s estimated that by the end of the decade, half of the gas consumed in this country will have to be imported, much of it originating from Russia.

The ease with which Russia has switched off its supply to Europe for the second time in 2 years demonstrates the fragility of supplies from any third party.

Encouraging UK consumers to implement microgeneration can offset this dependence if done in a co-ordinated method that enables the energy generated to be stored ready for use at peak times.

Recent announcements of minimum buy back levels and encouragement for the use of smart meters will help but clear advice and help is still needed for many people who find the choice and technology of microgeneration bewildering.

Happy New Year - let’s make sure 2009 is the year that MicroGeneration takes off

Posted in microgeneration