European countries are looking for an alternative to gas: Germany goes to coal, France to nuclear

Germany turns to coal

High dependence on Russian gas Germany in one of the most affected countries because of the energy crisis. Fears that Moscow would not restart supply via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline on July 21, causing a famine in the middle of winter prompted Berlin to take action. And everything points to it next heating bill will triple in the country.

Thus, the government headed by the social democrat Olaf Scholz, reactivate coal and oil-fired power plantsIt’s a temporary measure that will allow Berlin to “conserve gas now in the summer to replenish our deposits for the winter,” according to the Ministry of Economy and Climate Protection, which is responsible for the green Robert Habeck. A total of 27 facilities have been reactivated and will operate until spring 2023.

German tripartite government reduction of gas consumption industry through a system where companies that want to give up this hydrocarbon for a few months are compensated. Since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, Germany has managed to reduce its gas consumption by 14%, according to official data. Berlin’s gestures are also aimed at ordinary citizens who are asked to try to limit gas consumption in private homes. Scholz also Prolonging the operating hours of nuclear power plants is prohibited.

All this to reverse the complex energy position that Germany is in. In 2020, the EU’s first economy bought 34% of oil consumed, 45% of coal and 55% of natural gas from Moscow. It’s an addiction that needs to end.

Italy reduces its dependence on Russian gas

Dependence on Russian gas remains high in Italy, although it has dropped from 40% to 25% last year. This was reported by Prime Minister Mario Draghi in a recent speech before the Council of Europe. Draghi provided that too. Italy starts storing gas for the winterIt’s a “very well done” operation.

Indeed, in recent months the Italian Government has alternative agreements with governments such as AlgeriaWith Russia, a country that has delivered around 13.9 billion cubic meters of gas to Rome so far this year, it’s 113% more than expected before the crisis. In addition, it has signed agreements with Italy, Qatar, Congo, Egypt, Turkey and Azerbaijan.

In the case of these last two countries, gas will come through the Trans-Adriatic natural gas pipeline, one of Europe’s most important energy projects in the last period, whose construction was completed at the end of 2020, despite the objections of environmentalists. sector.

Similarly, Rome also announced plans to feed renewable resources and is working on measures to limit the increase in the price of gas for citizens, thereby protecting the purchasing power of Italian citizens. According to Draghi, European governments actually have the “tools” to provide this assistance.

However, it is still unknown how Italy, a country that imports 90% of the gas it consumes, plans to replace the part of this product that still comes from Russia. Irene Savio / Rome

Portugal, low dependency and renewable energies

Portugal’s low dependence on Russian gas, just over 6% of total consumption in 2022, did not stop Prime Minister António Costa from warning just a few weeks ago of the “risk” posed by a supply cut. . The Portuguese Government hopes to find Alternatives to Russian imports and promoting the production of renewable energiesthis accounts for about 60% of the total.

Among the solutions proposed by the executive is the imminent official opening of the Támega hydroelectric complex in the north of the country, which will mean an energy injection equivalent to the annual consumption of 440,000 homes. We’ll see how the severe drought that has gripped nearly the entire country since last winter—the second driest year since 1931 this year—will affect it. limiting hydroelectric generation in some reservoirs In recent months.

Another alternative is an increase in solar power generation through several recently opened facilities, including the floating facility on the Alqueva reservoir, which became operational this week. It has become the largest complex in Europe with over 12,000 solar panels. The Portuguese Government For joint energy intake at European level and for improving interconnections on the continentHighlighting the port of Sines as a strategic entry point for liquefied natural gas from the USA and Africa. Lucas Font / Lisbon

UK prepares contingency plan

this United Kingdom Imports only 4% of gas from Russia and is less dependent more than any other European country. Half of the gas reaching the country comes from the North Sea, and a third from Norway. In the UK example, the majority of liquefied natural gas imports come from countries such as Qatar and the United States and are transported by sea. The British are also producers of crude oil and petroleum products.

On the other hand, England less gas storage capacity more than most European countries. While the surplus is sent to the continent during the summer months when the demand is low, it imports 20% to 25% of its gas through two interconnectors with the European Union countries during the winter months.

According to the ‘Financial Times’, British officials A four-stage contingency plan to be piloted from September in the event of severe shortages and a pressure drop in the gas system. The plan will include cutting gas links between the UK and continental Europe, as well as partially cutting off supplies to large industrial companies and recommending measures to reduce consumption to citizens. In the midst of a crisis and expecting a new Executive, the government has yet to warn the country of the need to prepare to change its energy habits, as has Germany, for example. Begona Arce / London

France declared “energy sobriety”

Bruno Le Maire, the French Minister of Economy and Finance, recently assured that a complete shutdown of Russian gas to Europe is the “most likely option”. France, like many other European countries, is heavily dependent on Russia for its natural gas and oil supplies, though to a lesser extent than some of its neighbors. country in 2020 Imported 17% of its natural gas and 13% of its oil and derivatives from RussiaAccording to the European Commission.

Despite this, the Government urged its citizens, administrations and companies to consume less energy. President Emmanuel Macron said, “To get through the winter peak, we must try to reduce our reserves, because we will need to be in solidarity with other European countries. We must do this to try to stop our economy as little as possible.” , announcement an “energy sobriety” plan.

So the distribution sector in France, which includes companies like Carrefour or Casino, will close their banners at closing and will reduce lighting and temperature in stores from Octoberwithin the framework of this plan. Other suggested measures are “suspension of air renewal at night”.

Again, France’s commitment nuclear energy very solid. In fact, it is the second country with the most nuclear reactors in the world, behind only the United States, and this energy source is fundamental to the electricity mix as it traditionally produces around 70% of total electricity.

President Macron strengthened his 2021 bet last year, promising that France would build nuclear power plants again after decades of no progress. The president has promised at least six new reactors in the coming years.