The French government is urgently preparing an action plan in case of cessation of supplies of blue fuel from Russia.
Global sanctions and recent statements by the Kremlin leader are forcing Europe to look for an alternative to Russian fuel. The French government is already looking for the best course of action in the event of a cessation of gas supplies from Russia. The situation was commented on by the CEO of the French gas distribution company GRDF Laurent Poirier-Dietz in an interview with the newspaper Les Echos.
According to the director of the company, it is too early to panic, because the heating season is almost over and the available reserves will be enough for the needs of the country.
“Gas flows from Russia at this stage continue to flow normally to France, and the end of the cold season is approaching. On the other hand, the real question arises next winter, in case of complete or partial cessation of Russian gas imports. We are preparing for such an unprecedented scenario. apply exceptional measures to reduce consumption, including in emergencies, “says Lawrence Poirier-Dietz.
Read also: Pumping of Russian gas through the Yamal-Europe pipeline fell to zero – Reuters
The newspaper Le Figaro, citing the French Ministry of Environment, reports that the government will soon publish a decree to reduce gas supplies to “certain consumers.” We are talking about large enterprises and organizations, with the exception of objects of social importance – schools, kindergartens, hospitals, nursing homes, etc.
Interruptions in the supply of blue fuel will be felt mainly by large enterprises and shopping centers. However, the government believes that they can reduce their needs and increase the use of alternative energy sources.
The situation is not threatening for the citizens of France. However, to reduce the heating temperature by one degree in private homes and replace old gas boilers with new ones, Lawrence Poirier-Dietz still advised.
Read also: A single gas procurement platform is being launched in Europe
“This would save us 10-15 terawatt-hours of gas in the winter. And it would correspond to a reduction in consumption of about 10%,” said GRDF CEO.
Poirier-Dietz also called on the French government to promote the development of biogas production, as it could potentially provide up to 20% of consumption in eight years.
We will remind, to requirements of the Russian Federation to pay for blue fuel in rubles in Europe answered refusal. To which the press secretary of the President of Russia Dmitry Peskov said that they are not going to supply fuel for free.
