Ikea sells its own balcony power plant for self-assembly.
From this week on, Ikea stores will offer a DIY balcony solar power kit for a small price. It comes with a portable battery included.
The European Union is set to end its dependence on Russian energy. This involves ceasing the import of Russian gas and oil while gradually phasing out the import of Russian nuclear energy. At the same time, the energy supply and prices are to remain stable throughout the Union.
In 2022, the EU imported 150 billion cubic meters of natural gas from Russia. In response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the EU introduced the "RePowerEU" plan. Despite significant progress made under the RePowerEU plan and through sanctions since the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, the EU still imported 52 billion cubic meters of natural gas, 13 million tons of crude oil, and over 2,800 tons of uranium from Russia in 2024. The updated roadmap outlines the EU's strategy to completely stop these imports while promoting a coordinated and supportive approach to securing affordable and sustainable energy across the Union.
The roadmap aims to gradually remove Russian oil, gas, and nuclear energy from the EU markets. Global LNG deliveries are expected to grow rapidly from 2025 onwards, while gas demand will decrease. With the full implementation of the energy transition framework and the action plan for affordable energy, the EU is projected to replace up to 100 billion cubic meters of natural gas by 2030.
Boost for Biogas
The European Biogas Association (EBA) welcomed the new RePowerEU roadmap. It includes nine targeted measures to reduce and ultimately eliminate the Union's dependency on Russian gas, oil, and nuclear fuels. According to the EBA, these goals are crucial in shifting the focus towards European biogas as a substitute for natural gas. "The EU Commission's announcement sends a clear signal: Renewable gases will be indispensable for Europe's energy future," said Harmen Dekker, Managing Director of the European Biogas Association. The roadmap confirms the long-term role of biogas in the EU's energy mix.
However, concrete measures are now needed to accelerate the production and integration of biogas in the member states. "Instruments such as a specific target for biogas by 2040 and a European Biogas Charter would provide the clarity and stability needed to support the sector's growth and investments," said Dekker.
According to the EBA, the European Commission anticipates that gaseous fuels, including biomethane and biogas, will remain essential for the EU's energy mix in 2040 and 2050, particularly for sectors difficult to electrify and as an industrial raw material. The EBA predicts that biogas production in the EU could reach 101 billion cubic meters by 2040 and even 150 billion cubic meters by 2050, representing a significant portion of the EU's future energy needs.
In this context, sustainable investments in the use of biogas, improved grid access, and harmonized regulatory frameworks are crucial to unlocking the full potential of renewable gases and their expected contribution to the future energy mix.
Biogas Association is optimistic
"The roadmap contains some positive prospects for biomethane production in Germany," added Dr. Stefan Rauh, Managing Director at the Biogas Association. This includes support for diversification: The Commission aims to establish a platform to support the expansion and trade of gaseous molecules of non-fossil origin, including biomethane. "Alternatives to natural gas imports should be further developed, especially through electrification or promoting the production of biogas, biomethane, and clean hydrogen in line with the RePowerEU plan," he explained.
Significant progress has been made since the adoption of the Biomethane Action Plan in 2022. "The Commission will establish a new biogas network of member states to better meet the diverse needs in different areas of the EU and involve national and local stakeholders," he outlined the next steps.