Energy firms reluctant to cut Russian gas

European utilities are divesting from some Russian interests, but decisions on gas supply will require new sanctions

Danish energy company Orsted has joined a growing list of European utilities in withdrawing from many of its Russian interests and agreements. The company has suspended all sourcing of biomass and coal from Russia and will no longer enter new into contracts with Russian companies. “We have made sure that no direct Orsted suppliers for the buildout of renewable energy are Russian,” says Orsted CEO Mads Nipper. But the company has stopped short of suspending Russian gas supplies over concerns around energy security. “Shortfalls in gas supplies will, as opposed to stopping supply of other types of products, have severe human and societal consequences and therefore need to be coordinated at EU a