The head of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol, has warned the Europeans not to dismiss the supply crisis prematurely in view of falling gas prices.
“The next winter worries me,” Birol told the “Handelsblatt”. “No Russian gas, China’s comeback as an importer, little increase in supply: These three factors will make next winter a challenge.” He fears that many governments are “a little too happy” about the relatively mild course of the crisis so far. Europe must continue to reduce gas consumption.
Against the background of the tense situation, the IEA director criticized the German phase-out of nuclear power: “I wish there was the possibility of extending the runtimes much more if necessary.” On the other hand, Birol praised the fact that the expansion of wind power and solar systems had accelerated. “Above all, the acceleration of the planning process pays off.”
