Maud Descamps 11:34 a.m., June 24, 2022
The Minister for Energy Transition, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, estimated Thursday evening that France could do without Russian gas, under conditions, namely if the LNG tankers ensure the planned deliveries and if the stocks are replenished.
Earlier Thursday, the Elisabeth Borne had explained that France intended to fill its gas storages almost 100% by the fall.
The Minister for Energy Transition told BFM Business on Thursday that France could "do without Russian gas".
With the stoppage of Russian gas delivery and 26 nuclear reactors shut down out of the 56 in the French fleet, next winter promises to be complicated to meet our energy needs.
The French will therefore have to reduce their consumption by 10%, explained Agnès Pannier-Runacher.
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A reduction in consumption over two years
“What can be immediately activated is sobriety. First at the state level, and we will work with companies so that they can make decisions themselves as soon as next fall to reduce their energy consumption,” she said.
This 10% reduction in consumption would therefore take place over two years, the time that companies but also local authorities and State agencies adapt: that is to say, carry out energy renovation work, change heating mode, or work pace to reduce heating hours.
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Filling of storages
In parallel with these energy savings, to secure our gas supply, France wants to fill its storage nearly 100% by the beginning of autumn.
Gas imported by ship mainly, LNG, liquefied natural gas.
And Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne confirmed that a new floating LNG terminal would be built in the port of Le Havre to accommodate this LNG.
It will not be operational until winter 2023.