Alan Riley comments that the EU could switch to cheaper coal for its energy needs in order to reduce its reliance on Russian gas supplies.
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The EU could switch to cheaper coal for its energy needs in order to reduce its reliance on Russian gas supplies, according to a leading expert in London. With the shale gas revolution leading to cheaper US coal, it could lead to lower energy prices, as the Ukraine crisis puts gas at the centre of the debate. VoR's Tim Ecott spoke to Professor Alan Riley from City University, London.
Britain's Energy Secretary, Ed Davey, has said that the West must take Russian threats to restrict energy supplies to Europe more seriously.
The Liberal Democrat minister said that it was "of sufficient concern" to "plan seriously and deeply" in the event of gas and oil being restricted.
His comments come after Russian President Vladimir Putin warned in a letter to European leaders that if Ukraine doesn't settle its gas debt, Russian supplier Gazprom will be "compelled" to take action.
