GRTgaz announces, during a presentation on the gas outlook, that France is capable of meeting the demand for gas.
A context of tension
GRTgaz, announces that France is able to meet its gas demand. In the scenario of an average winter, the country seems ready, but the manager emphasizes the need for sobriety. Thus, the company believes that situations of tension may nevertheless develop during the winter.
As a result of the war in Ukraine, Russian gas flows to Europe are drying up, particularly affecting Germany. GRTgaz is therefore working to adapt its system to develop new export capacity from France to Germany. A will which, within the framework of European solidarity, should be operational by mid-October.
To meet demand, LNG imports are increasing. Thus, LNG terminals play a fundamental role in France’s ability to meet gas demand. France is using its terminals to their maximum capacity, with stocks currently standing at 94%.
Different scenarios for France
GRTgaz reassures us that France will be able to meet its gas demand under the various scenarios. In the reference scenario, that of an average winter, the outlook shows a system with no gas deficit. However, there is little room for maneuver, especially during peak consumption periods.
Conversely, the scenario of a very cold winter could lead to daily deficits. Thus, in this context, the winter deficit could reach 16 TWh. This represents 5% of the winter consumption.
France’s ability to meet gas demand depends mainly on the timing of cold peaks. Thus, low temperatures at the beginning of winter can generate a limited daily deficit of 65 GWh/d. On the other hand, in the event of cold spikes in the second half of winter, daily deficits would be greater according to GRTgaz.
An essential sobriety
GRTgaz issues recommendations to deal with possible shortfalls. It urges consumers to lower their consumption by 1°C in order to reduce consumption by about 7%. In addition, an information and awareness system, such as Ecowatt, will soon be launched.
In addition, a paid interruptibility device will be available to industrialists. Thus, the volunteers will be able to reduce their consumption during high tensions on the network. Finally, in order to protect individuals, a load shedding device will be used in case of extreme situations.
