Germany, Britain push for EU joint energy policy

The international Financial Express published an article on 18 February 2006 titled Germany, Britain push for EU joint energy policy.

The article makes the following statement:

Blair — on his first official visit to Germany since the conservative Merkel took office last November — said key energy issues included research and development of renewable sources, and interconnection of national power grids.

Europe should come together and use its collective bargaining power in negotiating energy issues with the outside world, he said. The EU buys a quarter of its gas from Russia. Calls for a common energy policy have intensified since a gas price row between Russia and Ukraine in January which saw supplies to Europe drop.

I hope that Mr. Blair and his advisors have come to the same conclusion as President Bush – that oil and gas consumption is very close to an addiction. Like an addiction, it can only be overcome with the use of strong will and a lot of pain.

Of course, you will all know that I advocate the use of nuclear power. I know that renewable energy and conservation cannot possibly replace the energy value of the oil and gas now consumed. I like to think of nuclear power as very strong methadone that can ease the pain of withdrawal and even make it possible to live a pleasant life without ever really giving up the addiction to energy.

One more comparison with addiction needs a repeat reminder. Do not think for a moment that the pushers in the fossil fuel industry like the idea of their junkies finding another source of pleasure. They will continue to do everything in their power to prevent behavior that looks like it will succeed in helping to remove the needle from our collective arms. Like successful pushers they will try to do it in a friendly way that we do not recognize. If that does not work . . .