WATCH: Heinrich Points To Electrification As Key To Unlocking Energy Independence In Europe During Hearing
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, participated in a full committee hearing this week to examine the impact of the Russian Federation’s war in Ukraine on European and global energy security one year after the invasion.
During the hearing, Senator Heinrich highlighted the importance of electrification, particularly heat pumps, in reducing Europe’s dependence on Russian oil and gas. He also discussed ways the U.S. can better support its allies as they deploy new clean energy technologies that will help ensure European energy security.
Senator Heinrich asked Ditte Juul Jørgensen, panel witness and Director General for Energy for the European Commission, about the role of electrification eliminating Europe’s overdependence on Russian fossil gas.
Ms. Juul Jørgensen replied that “Electrification in general and the deployment of heat pumps is an important part of becoming independent from Russian gas. […] We're going to see a significantly increased electrification of our energy systems as a necessary part of the transition.” She added that “We use about a third of our natural gas to heat homes and if we can replace just some of that with heat pumps, we are better off. In addition to that, heat pumps are significantly more energy efficient.”
Senator Heinrich asked Dr. Andrew E. Light, panel witness and Assistant Secretary for International Affairs at the U.S. Department of Energy, about the hurdles to deploying small modular reactors (SMR) in Europe, a key step in our European Union allies’ transition away from their dependence on Russian fossil gas.
Dr. Light replied that “I think we've got to work with these countries on the regulatory side, making sure that they're ready for the import of [small modular reactors] and even becoming regional hubs.”
Last year, Senator Heinrich wrote an op-ed in The Hill with Rewiring America’s CEO Ari Matusiak calling on America to lead the widespread electrification of the appliances in our homes—and in the homes of our allies in Europe—to scale up new manufacturing opportunities, reduce dangerous climate warming pollution, achieve significant savings on our energy bills, and cut off any dependence on Russia’s hydrocarbons. Senator Heinrich led the effort to establish a new rebate program for electric appliances in the Inflation Reduction Act and provide upfront, point-of-sale rebates for the purchase and installation of electric appliances and equipment in single-family homes and multifamily buildings, with additional support for low- and moderate- income households.
The full list of witnesses, their testimonies, and an archived video of today’s hearing can be found here.
