Von der Leyen turns to Europe’s refineries as shrinking capacity raises energy security concerns

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Published: 2026-10-06T13:12:10.623Z • Permanent link

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has been quietly meeting with key stakeholders in the refining industry to discuss a plan to bolster Europe's energy security by leveraging its existing refineries. The initiative comes as the bloc grapples with a shrinking refining capacity, particularly in the diesel segment, which is crucial for powering Europe's vast trucking network. Diesel demand is expected to remain high in the coming years, driven by growing transportation needs, while the European Union's goal to phase out fossil fuels by 2050 creates a sense of urgency around diversifying energy sources.

Von der Leyen's team has been in talks with major refining companies such as Eni, TotalEnergies, and Shell, as well as smaller, independent operators. The meeting with these companies has been instrumental in shaping the proposal, which aims to identify underutilized refining capacity across the continent and repurpose it to meet growing energy demands. According to industry insiders, the proposal includes measures to upgrade existing facilities, invest in new technologies, and explore alternative uses for refineries, such as converting them into storage facilities or renewable energy hubs.

Key to the proposal is the role of the European Union's Green Deal, which sets ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting low-carbon economies. Von der Leyen's team has been working closely with the European Parliament and other stakeholders to ensure that the plan aligns with the EU's broader climate and energy policy objectives. The proposal is expected to be unveiled at an upcoming meeting of EU energy ministers, where it will be scrutinized by policymakers and industry leaders.

The European Commission's proposal has significant implications for the Data Sources domain, particularly in the areas of energy security, refining capacity, and climate policy. For companies such as TotalEnergies and Eni, which have invested heavily in refining infrastructure, the proposal offers a potential lifeline in a rapidly changing energy landscape. On the other hand, smaller, independent operators may face significant challenges in adapting to the proposal's demands, which could exacerbate existing market distortions and create new challenges for research communities and policymakers.

The proposal also has broader implications for the energy sector as a whole, particularly in terms of the role of refineries in meeting growing energy demands. As the world transitions towards a low-carbon economy, refineries will play a critical role in supporting the development of new energy technologies, such as hydrogen and electric vehicles. However, the proposal's focus on repurposing existing refining capacity rather than building new facilities raises questions about the long-term viability of this approach and the potential risks associated with relying on outdated infrastructure.

The European Commission's proposal is part of a larger pattern of thinking about the role of refineries in a rapidly changing energy landscape. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition that the traditional refining model is no longer sustainable, particularly in the face of increasing competition from renewable energy sources and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This has led to a wave of consolidation in the refining industry, as companies seek to streamline their operations and invest in new technologies.