Europe could face a tough winter of energyrationing if efficiency doesn't improve, the IEA's executive director said.- "I wouldn't exclude the rationing of natural gas in Europe, starting from the large industry facilities,"
Faith Birol told the Financial Times.
Europe may need to ration its energy supply if efficiency doesn't improve and demand doesn't cool, the International Energy Agency's executive director warned.
If winter weather is harsh and drags on while demand in China ramps up as COVID lockdowns continue easing, then rationing is on the table unless energy efficiency starts improving quickly, Faith Birol told the $4.
"I wouldn't exclude the rationing of natural gas in Europe, starting from the large industry facilities," he said.
Birol suggested better efficiency, renewable sources, and "making the most of existing" energy supplies would help ensure energy security, rather than starting newer and bigger fossil fuel projects.
The warning comes as Germany and Austria have also sounded the alarm over energy supplies in recent weeks, with Berlin saying that parts of large industrial businesses could be subject to a shut-off if the situation tightens.
Meanwhile, the US and EU are looking to choke off
Russia has already cut off countries including Bulgaria, Finland and Poland for not paying Moscow in rubles, as President Vladimir Putin has demanded.
Other countries are feeling the energy crunch too and have already taken steps to ration. $4 to address