Energy. Defense Council Friday on gas and electricity supply

Emmanuel Macron will convene a Defense Council on Friday devoted to the supply of gas and electricity to France, 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 an adviser from the Élysée.

Preparing for a possible stoppage of gas flows from Russia

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.

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 Élisabeth Borne on Monday urged companies to take action to improve their energy sobriety, otherwise they would be the « first affected » by « rationing » measures in the coming months.