Achieving energy independence.

Global instability highlights the importance of the green transition.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has sparked international debate on the need for energy independence. In fact, the European Union (EU) has announced a plan to achieve energy independence by 2030. It has also highlighted the importance of accelerating Europe’s energy transition to renewables. Here, Vijay Madlani, founder and co-CEO of Katrick Technologies, shares insight on how accelerating the green transition can support this goal.

In response to the invasion, the United States, United Kingdom and European Union have all announced plans to restrict Russian oil and gas imports, following threats Russia would cut off gas supplies to Europe if an oil ban were imposed. It is now crucial to reduce reliance on Russia for energy, but this is a significant challenge —the EU currently buys 40 per cent of its gas, 27 per cent of its oil, and 46 per cent of coal from Russia. This has driven up energy prices and highlighted Europe’s vulnerability to supply disruption.

To propose near term solutions to this problem, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has announced its 10-Point Plan to Reduce the European Union’s Reliance on Russian Natural Gas. The plan contains measures that could be implemented in the next year to limit Russian imports and keep European energy secure and cost-effective in line with the European Green Deal. 

The IEA aims to reduce Russian gas imports by over 50 billion cubic metres (bcm) in a year by sourcing new energy suppliers, deploying new wind and solar projects and maximising alternative energy generation. While establishing new projects with existing green technology is important, this is an opportunity for cleantech companies to develop new and innovative ways to maximise potential energy production. The renewables market is dominated by more traditional technologies such as wind turbines, but it is important that new solutions are explored to address any limitations and increase renewable energy production. Diversifying the way natural resources are exploited can make renewable energy more accessible and improve the resilience of the energy system.

For a long-term solution, the EU has introduced REPowerEU: Joint European action for more affordable, secure and sustainable energy. This initiative aims to drive independence from Russian fossil fuels before 2030, starting with gas. The European Commission (EC) is optimistic that it can fast track this energy transition and replace 24 bcm of gas from Russia with renewable energy in a year. To achieve these goals, investment and research into sustainable power and alternative generation is key in ensuring a reliable and affordable energy supply.

Energy innovation

Green energy innovators will play an important role in achieving these goals. Technologies which exploit sustainable resources, such as wind and solar, are already being widely explored, but what about new and novel renewable methods?

In one example of green tech, Katrick Technologies has developed a solution designed to harness previously untapped wind power. The start-up has created a patented wind panel that captures wind from low and near-ground environments.

In practice, the panels can be installed on a runway, near or roadside or the top of buildings. Due to their smaller size and modular configuration, they can also be complimentary to greenfield sites such as existing onshore wind farms, maximising the power generation potential of the site. The firm is currently undertaking a wind mapping project with Glasgow airport to determine how much power could be generated from the panels being installed on site. Research has shown the technology could generate up to 22000 kilowatt hours of electricity per 10 kW rated panel array annually.

 Accelerating the global green transition is crucial to safeguard the energy supply of Europe and to minimise reliance on harmful fossil fuels and unstable suppliers. Striving for energy independence will not only reduce harm to the environment but will also reduce reliance on environmentally damaging fuel sources. Diversification and expansion of renewables is more important than ever in today’s energy landscape — as EC vice-president Frans Timmerman said, “Let’s dash into renewable energy at lightning speed.”