Europe experienced a gas supply crisis back in 2009 as a consequence of the Ukraine and Russia conflict. As a result of the supply crisis, concerns were raised over the excessive dependence on imported energy.
Over half of the energy consumed in the European Union is imported. In some of the most extreme cases such as Finland and Sweden, all gas is imported by a single supplier. The security of supply depends on economic factors, political conflicts, and the maintenance of a supply infrastructure over which they have no control. The energy security of any nation varies with a number of geostrategic factors and it is a key driver of energy policy. The European Commission is aware of the seriousness of the situation and is promoting the Strategy for a Resilient Energy Union.
The immediate future will bring a decreased dependence on energy imports thanks to the exploitation of renewable natural resources such as the sun, wind, collected water or biomass. These resources are present in every country in a greater or lesser extent. By using them, countries will be able to guarantee a perennial supply of energy for their citizens, regardless of the global financial and political framework. To succeed in doing so is just a matter of time and technology.
