The European Union (EU) is actively pursuing an enhanced energy partnership with the United States, particularly in light of recent tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. This initiative aims to secure more liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies from the US while simultaneously streamlining regulations to accelerate the blocs renewable energy capacity, as articulated by the EUs energy commissioner, Dan Jrgensen.

In a statement, Jrgensen expressed optimism about the EU's renewable energy ambitions, forecasting a record installation of renewable capacity by 2025. He specifically highlighted the potential for the EU to increase its purchases of US LNG, a strategy designed to mitigate the impact of Trumps tariffs on the EUs energy imports.

On Monday, President Trump suggested that the EU could purchase approximately $350 billion worth of energy from the US to address its trade deficit. This came alongside his dismissal of the EU's proposal for a zero-for-zero tariff agreement on industrial goods and automobiles. Following the announcement of tariffs, Trump implemented a 90-day pause and reduced several of the tariffs shortly after they took effect.

Currently, the US is the largest supplier of LNG to the EU, accounting for an impressive 45 percent of the blocs LNG imports valued at around $13 billion in 2024. Jrgensen noted, There is potential for us to buy more LNG from the US, but of course it needs to be on conditions that are also in line with our [green] transition. He conveyed this message directly to US Energy Secretary Chris Wright, underlining the EUs commitment to balancing energy needs with environmental goals.

The European Commission anticipates a substantial increase in renewable energy capacity, predicting the installation of 89 gigawatts (GW) by 2025. This figure includes an additional 19GW of wind power and 70GW of solar energy. This growth comes despite ongoing global economic challenges and persistent complaints from industries regarding lengthy permitting processes and inadequate grid connections.

Renewable power is essential to bring down high energy prices and reduce our reliance on Russian fossil fuels, Jrgensen emphasized. He further highlighted the unsustainable nature of current energy prices, stating, We all recognize that the high energy prices we are currently facing are not sustainable in global competition. Since 2022, we have spent more on Russian fossil fuels than we have provided in aid to Ukraine.

As part of a concerted effort to promote offshore wind investment, Jrgensen will present these renewable deployment figures at an industry conference in Copenhagen on Thursday. This initiative is crucial, particularly for offshore wind developers who have faced challenges due to Trumps pro-fossil fuel policies.

Rasmus Errboe, CEO of rsted, the worlds largest offshore wind developer, raised concerns about the wind industry in Europe being at risk of a downward spiral caused by high costs and supply chain disruptions. The EU's response to Trumps tariffs was officially acknowledged on Wednesday, marking a significant moment in what has been described as the most extensive trade conflict since the 1930s.

Trade association WindEurope projected that new wind power capacity in Europe would see a 34 percent increase this year compared to 2024. However, they also noted that the installations in the previous year fell short of expectations due to ongoing issues with permits and grid connection bottlenecks.

Meanwhile, the solar sector reported a dramatic slowdown in year-on-year capacity growth, plummeting from 53 percent in 2023 to a mere 4 percent last year, largely for similar reasons. rsted, like many European companies, faces challenges with its US projects due to Trumps tariffs on aluminum and steel, which affect its reliance on imported components.

Although the EUs solar exports to the US are relatively modest, according to SolarPower Europe, the ramifications for European companies involved in exporting key components could be significant. Jrgensen suggested that the EU could turn the current economic turmoil to its advantage, proposing that the uncertainty in the global economy may prompt businesses to seek stability in regions like Europe.

He reassured that the EU remains steadfast in its green agenda while also seeking to simplify the regulatory framework surrounding renewable energy projects. Jrgensen proposed reducing average wait times for obtaining permits from the current five to seven years down to just six months, acknowledging that the existing nature protection directives could pose challenges that would need to be addressed.