Painful surges in oil prices are spurring countries to quickly rethink how to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, as shortage risks from war in the Middle East grow greater by the day.
Britain’s government on Tuesday was the latest to unveil its plans, vowing to “massively expand renewables” as a way of bolstering energy security while denting the impact of higher electricity and petrol costs.
Around 60 governments worldwide have announced strategic responses or reviews since US and Israeli forces began striking Iran on February 28, according to Carbon Brief, a specialised news site.
Using data from the International Energy Agency, Carbon Brief found many countries promising short-term relief such as cuts on fuel taxes or warning of rationing of fossil fuels.
But others have responded with plans to accelerate their green energy transitions towards low-carbon sources.
France
France announced on April 10 a range of measures to speed up the electrification of construction, transport and other industries, to reduce the share of fossil fuels in the country’s energy mix to just 29 percent by 2035 from 60 percent today.
Electric vehicles should make up two out of every three new car sales by 2030, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said.
The government is also providing aid to spur the installation of one million heat pumps a year, reducing reliance on imported natural gas.
EU
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has promised to propel the continent’s electrification with an announcement planned for April 22.
Sweden
Sweden’s environment minister announced on April 7 that “electrification is the future” to protect citizens from surging oil and natural gas prices.
The two key measures were increased aid for using renewable energies by government employees and household subsidies for EV purchases.
Related
China
President Xi Jingping promised this month that “A greener, more diversified and resilient new energy system will provide a strong guarantee for China’s energy security and economic development,” state-controlled CCTV said.
Philippines