Russian Gas As A Foreign Policy Weapon - 1362 Words

With 53% of the European Union’s energy being imported in 2013, it is not a surprise that the European Union is continuously seeking alternative energy methods to help gain energy independence. If not complete independence, they hope to lower their reliance on Russia who to frequently uses its energy dominance as a foreign policy weapon. Russian and Ukrainian disputes in 2006, 2009, and 2014 have led to critical gas shortages across the European Union and a public opinion that Russian natural gas is unreliable (1). The Czech Republic has been one of the many member states who has suffered from these supply shortfalls. These crises along with other difficulties of importing a majority of their energy supply has propelled the Czech Republic†¦show more content†¦Feed-in tariffs as well as feed-in premiums supported renewable electricity generation. These rates were guaranteed for 20 years with hydropower generators’ rates being guaranteed for 30 years. Additionall y, investment support and green bonuses were given to renewable heating sources. Furthermore, a sharp decline in the prices of solar panels led the Czech Republic to become the 4th largest in terms of newly installed photovoltaic systems (5). In 2009, the Czech Republic implemented a program to promote renewable energy within the residential building sector. This program was entitled the Green Savings Programme. While the program had a slow start, by September 2010 the applications for the program exceeded the funding. The Programme promotes the use of thermal insulation, renewable energy sources for space and water heating, and passive house design. The program stopped in 2010 due to the surge of applicants, but was rebooted in 2013. This program is estimated to have a budget of 1.1 billion euros by 2020 (5). While the Green Savings Programme may have survived through the years, the Act on the Promotion of the Use of Renewable Energy Sources wasn’t so lucky. In January of 2011, solar energy producers receiving feed-in tariff support were taxed 26% and if they were receiving a green bonus they were taxed 28%. This tax was introduced to slow down photovoltaic installments that ERO could not adequately supportShow MoreRelatedSovereignty And Non Interference During The Cold War1287 Words   |  6 Pagesestablish their supremacy and as well as overseas to expand their spheres of influence. Their own real or perceived interest drove their foreign and defense policies. The Europeans were not the first to exercise their sovereign rights, but they did it in an institutional and sustained manner. The Roman, Mongol and Turkish empires, for instance, decided their own policies based on their interests. They spread their wings far and wide to expand their control and accumulate riches. 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