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Opinion
Javier Blas

Europe Failed Its First Winter Energy Savings Test

The continent still needs to reduce gas consumption by a lot if it’s going to survive the winter.

Another way to stay warm.

Another way to stay warm.

Photographer: Sean Gallup/Getty Images Europe
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If Europe was a school student, last week it sat its first exam in Energy Savings 101. It failed. And that doesn’t bode well for much tougher tests to come in January.

Despite strong imports of liquefied natural gas to replace Russian shipments, Europe needs to reduce gas consumption — by a lot — if it’s going to make it through the winter. Extra supply won’t be enough. Conservation is absolutely paramount.