Merkel Eyes Renewables, Mideast for Energy Plans

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has made security of EU energy supplies a top priority for Germany’s EU presidency and analysts say she wants to focus on alternative energy sources and stabilising the Middle East.

According to Hajo Funke, a professor of political science at Berlin’s Free University, the German government’s idea of diversification of energy supplies is principally aimed at reducing Europe’s dependency on Russian oil and gas.
One possibility is to increase EU oil and gas purchases from Norway, though analysts say the Scandinavian country alone could not solve the problem and give the EU the security it desires.

“One of the focuses of Merkel’s energy security drive is peace management in the Middle East,” Funke said. “This is why the EU wants a deal to be reached with Iran. In addition to this, it’s pushing renewable energy sources in the energy mix.”

Although few in the EU dispute the wisdom of pursuing renewable “green” energy sources like solar and wind power, the idea of importing more from North Africa or building pipelines from Iran across Turkey are politically sensitive ideas.

Planet Ark