Russian attempts to 'weaponise' energy may fast-track Europe's shift to renewables, after initial pain
ABCEnergy experts say any attempts by Moscow to cut off European gas supplies are likely to backfire by fast-tracking the continent's shift away from fossil fuels towards renewable power. Key points: There are mounting concerns Russia could cut off energy supplies to Europe as its conflict with Ukraine intensifies Russia provides almost half of Europe's gas needs via a network of pipelines, along with a third of its oil Europe has become more dependent on Russian gas amid efforts to close coal power and go green But industry analysts have also warned that Europe faces potentially crippling economic pain in the short-term if Russia chooses to use energy as leverage in its war on Ukraine. In a more "benign" scenario, Mr Kavonic said gas would continue to flow into Europe even if supplies through Ukraine were disrupted. And unlike Europe, he said Russia would be left economically bereft because it had been "doubling down" on oil and gas investment. She suggested Moscow may even have been motivated to make a "land grab" in Ukraine by Europe's inevitable shift towards green energy sources independent of Russia.