The winter promises to be harsh due to the lack of gas and electricity. To take stock of the situation and anticipate the risks, President Emmanuel Macron will convene a Defense Council devoted to the issue on Friday, the Elysee Palace said on Tuesday, confirming press information. “Gas and electricity supply being a vital interest for the country, the Defense and National Security Council (SDSN) will aim to take stock of the situation as well as the scenarios envisaged to prepare for all scenario this fall and this winter, ”explained to AFP an adviser to the Elysée.
Gas flows from Russia have dried up and the Europeans are preparing for a possible total shutdown, in retaliation for the sanctions imposed on Moscow since the invasion of Ukraine. Engie has announced that the Russian Gazprom is further reducing its gas deliveries to it as of Tuesday.
Tense situation
The situation is also tense on the electricity side, due to the unavailability of part of the nuclear fleet, in particular for corrosion problems.
Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne on Monday urged companies to act to improve their energy sobriety, otherwise they would be the “first affected” by “rationing” measures in the coming months.