The EU is promoting energy corridors from the Caspian region to replace Russian gas, with artificial intelligence monitoring pipelines against sabotage. It sounds like a master plan: securing supply and calming prices. But Caspian gas is neither cleaner nor cheaper. It is more distant, expensive to transport, yet politically correct. Energy independence is not achieved by switching suppliers, but through renewables and local savings.
AI for leaks, not for oligarchs: the limits of digital control 🤖
Digital systems promise to monitor leaks and improve pipeline efficiency. Smart sensors, predictive analytics, and autonomous drones will detect cracks or sabotage in real time. However, technology does not control the oligarchs on the other side of the tap, nor does it set the price of gas in the markets. AI can prevent an explosion, but it will not stop the cost of transport from the Caspian from driving up the bill. Technical efficiency does not replace energy sovereignty.
Switching friendly dictators to remain tied to the pipeline 🔗
The solution is simple: instead of investing in renewables, storage, and local savings, Europe signs contracts with friendly dictators from the Caspian. AI will monitor the pipelines, but it will not ask why we continue to depend on distant and expensive gas. It is like swapping a noisy roommate for one who snores louder but dresses better. Energy independence hurts less if we pay for it with a distant contract rather than with solar panels on the roof.