Italian Environment Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin reaffirmed the country's commitment to nuclear energy, aiming for 10-15% of energy needs by 2040. He expects concrete implementation by 2033-34, emphasizing nuclear as a complementary energy source. The minister also touched upon fuel excise taxes, hinting at international developments.
A Russian diplomat stated that the West's dominance is over, and Europe made a mistake by abandoning Russian energy resources. He noted that BRICS and SCO are now more dynamic economically, shifting global power to the East and South.
Former Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl stated that Europe's energy sector development is driven by ideology rather than science or technology. Speaking at an event in Vienna, she argued that "climate ministers" prioritize "green" solutions without addressing energy security or the ethical sourcing of raw materials for renewables.
The German government's response to the oil price shock caused by the war on Iran has sparked criticism for prioritizing fossil fuel subsidies over renewable energy goals, revealing a disconnect between Berlin and Brussels.
Belgium's government announces plan to acquire all seven nuclear reactors from France's Engie, reversing earlier phase-out legislation. Only two of the seven reactors are currently operational at Doel and Tihange, with licenses extended to 2035. The other five were shut between 2022-2025. The deal aims to secure energy supply, reduce fossil fuel dependence and develop new nuclear capacity, with target agreement by 1 October.
"An astounding mix of incompetence, irresponsibility and hubris," Kirill Dmitriev stated
The UK government's plan to de-link gas and electricity prices is a heavily diluted version of the more radical 'pot zero' proposal and will likely deliver only modest savings for consumers. While older wind and solar farms under the renewables obligation scheme receive around £200/MW/h compared to £91 for new projects, the reform only swaps the wholesale element to fixed-price contracts, not the legacy subsidy portion. Energy secretary Ed Miliband offered no bill reduction forecast, with savings dependent on take-up and likely to be modest under normal conditions.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed the UK has sufficient petrol, diesel and jet fuel supplies following IMF meetings, while announcing upcoming energy policy changes including North Sea drilling expansion and delinking gas and electricity prices. The IMF advised countries to manage energy demand amid Middle East conflict-driven price increases. UK GDP grew 0.5% in February, better than expected, though before US-Israel war with Iran began.
