The Energy Crisis in Europe and the Prospects for a Low-Carbon Economy

Abstract

The article is devoted to the prospects of transition to a low-carbon economy in the European Union in the context of the current energy crisis. Today, inexpensive and reliable energy supply is a prerequisite for the economic, social and technological progress of mankind. The EU pays special attention to this area, which is confirmed by the “European Green Dealˮ and other important documents. The central place in the long-term plans of energy policy is occupied by wind and solar generation, as well as hydrogen energy. Despite the efforts being made in this direction, in 2021 the European continent became the scene of an energy crisis. The article discusses its causes simultaneously with the analysis of the weaknesses and strengths of renewable energy sources. The author draws attention to the presence of serious technological and economic problems that need to be solved for a successful transition to green energy. The article concludes that the transition to clean energy sources should be carried out gradually, since renewable energy sources cannot yet replace either gas or nuclear generation. Hasty replacement of these energy sources in the name of short-term political goals is fraught with grave consequences and discredits the very idea of a low-carbon economy.