EU Imported More Energy in 2005

The European Union imported more energy last year to plug a deficit after its own production of oil, natural gas, coal and nuclear power fell, the EU statistics agency Eurostat said Thursday.

The 25 nations of the EU import more than half of their energy needs _ a trend that continues to rise. They bought in 56 percent of total energy consumption last year, up from 54 percent in 2004 and 44 percent in 1995.

The European Commission forecasts this to rise to 70 percent by 2030 and is urging member states to cut energy use, diversify its energy sources and transit routes and develop new and renewable types of power.
Houston Chronicle