The Russian war of aggression in Ukraine has led to a massive impairment of the energy supply in Europe.

After a gradual reduction in natural gas supplies, Russia has now de facto halted supplies with the closure of Nord Stream 1.

What was classified as a risk in the spring has now become reality.

In addition, Europe imposed an embargo on Russian coal and decided to stop imports of Russian oil from the end of the year.

For natural gas, coal and electricity in particular, the reduction in supply has contributed to sharp price increases, which are a heavy burden on citizens and companies.

The Advisory Council has repeatedly pointed out the need to save energy and, in particular, to significantly reduce gas consumption.

On the one hand, to end dependence on Russian energy sources, and on the other hand, to avoid a gas shortage in the winter months.

The gas storage facilities are now well filled and can make a contribution to security of supply in winter.

But even if the filling level target of 95 percent is reached by November 1, 2022, the storage tanks would only last for two and a half months without adjustments in winter.

In view of the delivery stop from Russia, it is all the more urgent to exhaust all possibilities to significantly reduce gas consumption and to develop alternative sources of supply.

With regard to the incentives to reduce gas consumption, further measures are urgently needed, especially with a view to private households.

And while there have been significant reductions and substitutions in gas consumption in the corporate sector, there is no similar development in the private household sector.

It is true that German gas consumption has fallen significantly since the beginning of the war of aggression and was around 11.5 percent below the previous year's figure up to and including August.

But in order to get through the winter well, gas consumption would have to be reduced by a total of around 20 percent, also taking into account the new import capacities.

In order to persuade private households to save gas and electricity, politicians must send clearer signals.

Admittedly, appeals are likely to have a signaling effect and can play an important role in intrinsic motivation and social cohesion;

Regulatory measures can also make a contribution.

However, they cannot replace savings incentives through price signals.

The high gas prices should be passed on to the end consumers, who in return would have to be relieved across the board.

Speed ​​limit against nuclear power

Good progress has already been made in developing alternative sources of supply for natural gas.

If the infrastructure for liquid gas imports is ready for use at the turn of the year 2022/23 as planned, it can make a significant contribution to security of supply.

According to current plans, the import capacity available at the beginning of 2023 could replace a good quarter of last year's imports from Russia.

By the end of 2023, this capacity should cover almost half of the previous import volume.