French Cabinet reviews energy priorities in view of cold snap

The Government of President Nicolas Sarkozy has undertaken to review the energy situation here in view of the cold snap that hit Europe over the past two weeks, killing hundreds in Europe and at least 15 in France. At a Cabinet meeting Wednesday the government agreed to devote 1.35 billion Euros (USD 1.8 billion) to renovation of heating systems across the country. The government also examined external supplies of oil and gas to see if improvements in security of supply are adequate to monitor price rises. "Otherwise," the Cabinet said, "the security of supplies of oil and gas are a priority," according to a note presented to ministers. "The supply security for gas this year is assured by a variety of infrastructures and sources of supply, which is based for 90 percent on long-term contracts, and finally on (strategic) reserves." Although France had to import electricity from its neighbours during the cold snap," notably from Germany, it was able to meet heavy demand on the power sector, demand which was triple the usual seasonal levels. France produces about 80 percent of its own electricity needs from its more than 50 nuclear power plants and sometimes exports electricity. Temperatures in the past 10 days here have dropped in some areas to minus 20 degrees Celsius, with average temperatures 5-10 degrees lower than normal. In a sharp turnaround Wednesday, the cold snap ended in most areas here.