As European countries prepare for the impending gas crisis, let us see two different strategies implemented by the UK and France to reduce energy consumption.
As winter approaches, European nations start drafting plans to reduce energy consumption. Facing a major energy war against Russia, the European continent does not bulge under the threat of a cold winter. As we all know, after the invasion of Ukraine Europe and the West in general immediately declared an economic war against Russia.
This meant that the Eastern behemoth would close the tap of gas supplies, a precious fuel upon which a large share of energetic consumption in Europe relied. Vladimir Putin’s bet was that Europe would eventually cripple under the extreme cold and, also unable to sustain their industries without gas, would lift sanctions against Russia and pull back weapons from Ukraine.
But this has not happened, and Europe is bracing for the winter with different strategies from country to country. A unified response in the European Union appears impossible, as countries like Germany and the Netherlands were opposed to a unified price cap on gas (a measure that instead applied for themselves).
Let’s see two completely opposite strategies developed by major European countries, the UK and France. While the former aims at a reduction of energy by the general public, the latter leaves businesses to bear the brunt of the crisis.
UK’s strategy
The United Kingdom has developed two possible strategies for the upcoming winter, according to different scenarios.
Scenario one looks at a decrease in energy imports from continental Europe. In this case, several energy reduction campaigns will be put in place to raise awareness within the general public, while old coal plants will be fired back up.
Scenario two looks at the unlikely case where gas imports will also fall (Europe’s storages are full for the moment). In this case, a more drastic approach will be taken, directly cutting down power lines for British households.
Many are calling for an improvement of the second scenario, pledging to include a strategy also for those households that cannot be left without power for safety and health reasons.
France’s strategy
On the other side of the Channel, France sits in a much more comfortable position. Its large fleet of nuclear reactors allow the Elysée to take a calmer approach. France’s president Emmanuel Macron presented a plan that will reduce businesses’ energy consumption by 10% in two years and by 40% by 2040.
Instead of hitting common households, France looks at the vast governmental properties, pledging to reduce power by 2 terawatts this winter alone. Public buildings will run without hot water and temperatures will be forced to remain below 19°.
Furthermore, public officials will be highly encouraged to take public transit, thanks to a limit on the speed they could go if they decide to drive.
Finally, businesses will be forced to turn lights off during the night, a measure shared with many monuments like the Tour Eiffel. Workers that stay at home for their activities will be granted €2.88 per day.
Of course, France will likewise implement public awareness campaigns on energy reduction, but unlike the UK it seems to have taken an approach towards public property and businesses.
