India, May 23 -- BMW is exploring new investments in solar, geothermal and hydrogen energy so that it can lower its dependence on natural gas, the carmaker's production chief told Reuters, warning an embargo on Russian gas would bring the industry to a standstill. The carmaker relied on natural gas for 54% of its energy consumption in 2021, but is now examining where it can add solar panels to its plants.

BMW is also working on developing plans with local authorities to transport hydrogen to its plant in Leipzig, Germany. "Hydrogen is very well-suited to lower or even fully compensate for gas demand," Milan Nedeljkovic, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Production, said.

When asked what would happen to BMW's plants in the eve...