Tesla CEO Elon Musk has warned that countries should be cautious about forgoing the use of oil and natural gas too soon.
Key details
While attending an energy conference in Norway, Musk addressed the European energy crisis, saying that countries should not yet decrease their dependence on fossil fuels.
Musk suggested that while the world continues to move toward fully renewable energy, there must be an increased reliance on gas and oil to avoid energy shortages.
“At this time, we actually need more oil and gas, not less,” Musk said while adding, “we must have a clear path to a sustainable energy future.”
Musk further encouraged countries to use their nuclear power supply, if they have reliable plants available. He encouraged countries to consider using ocean winds as an energy source.
Germany recently decided to extend the life of its remaining nuclear power plants in order to stave off an energy crisis right before winter.
Why it’s news
Europe is facing an energy crisis, in part due to Russia lessening its natural gas deliveries. Recent mass outages of French nuclear power plants have only made the situation worse.
European countries are running into energy shortages, in part because of restricted supply of gas from Russia.
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the European Union placed some restrictions on Russian fuel. This combined with Russia releasing less oil has resulted in shortages for European countries. As winter quickly approaches the continent, energy shortages could have serious consequences.
In response to the shortages, some countries are imposing energy use restrictions. Axios compared the regulations to “restraints during wartime.”
Germany has cut costs by no longer lighting public buildings, museums, and landmarks overnight; cutting off hot water in Hanover public buildings; and turning off traffic lights in one city.
Meanwhile in Spain, air conditioning must not be cooler than 81 degrees Fahrenheit and storefront windows and public buildings will not be lit after 10 p.m. Italy has also regulated its air conditioning.
France has placed restrictions on lighted signs after 1 a.m. and will fine shopkeepers for leaving doors open with the air conditioning running.
