But that’s not all, the overall context must be taken into account. First, there is the lack of solutions to find gas elsewhere. Qatar can represent part of the solution, but already supplies many Asian countries, which will not be able to count on enough Russian gas to create a balance. Also, if Russia still delivers liquefied gas to us by ship, this source is also under pressure because of geopolitical games.
With energy prices soaring, here’s what awaits us for fall and winter: “the situation is very worrying”
Finally, it’s the weather that gets involved. In recent months, the sky has offered us no respite to relieve electricity production. In 2024, there was a lack of wind to operate the wind turbines, causing production to drop by 11% compared to 2023. And if solar energy broke a record (+ 15% compared to 2023), this did not not enough to fill the hole, especially since 2024 was the least sunny year in 25 years.
For the first months of 2025, we must therefore hope that the sun shines, that the wind blows normally – a storm like that of Monday does not give any particular advantage – and that the temperatures are rather mild. Because if renewable energy cannot satisfy demand, we must either turn to gas-fired power plants (the price of which is therefore increasing), or to import from neighboring countries. And this is far from free.
The good news is that in January, supplier prices increased only slightly compared to the previous month. A new contract remains payable, and it is better to sign a fixed contract – if you have to change – given the complicated months ahead.
