a risk of electricity shortage next winter

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France 2

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J.Bigard, L.Campisi, Y.Moine, A.Brodin – France 2

France Televisions

With the current energy crisis in France, electricity prices have risen sharply. The rise in prices is greater than in other European countries and concerns point to possible risks of shortages next winter.

The scenario of a general power cut was unlikely a few months ago, yet Wednesday, July 27 the question arises very seriously. Will France have enough energy for the winter? Between January and July 2022, the price per kWh went from 81.08 euros to 526.9 euros, a sum six times greater. The geopolitical context plays a crucial role in this increase and the war in Ukraine is one of the factors which increases the prices, but it is not the only one.

The other aggravating factor for electricity prices in France is the dilapidated state of nuclear infrastructure. “There are only less than 50% of the reactors that are available today, which is quite exceptional, normally we are rather around 80% or 70%”, says Thomas Véron, Marketing Director of Selectra. Even if work will be carried out, only 44 out of 56 reactors will be in working order next winter. To avoid running out of electricity, the Minister of the Economy Bruno Le Maire encourages companies to consume less energy. Prices will continue to rise and the fear of an exploding bill is very present.

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