Olga Lautman AT OlgaNYC1211
The new pres of Russian occupied South Ossetia, Gagloev, who was favored by the Kremlin during second round of elections suspended the referendum on joining Russia that was set for July. Interesting that Russia is easing the pressure on Georgia for now
The Times AT thetimes
Ministers delay closure of coal-fired generators over fear of gas shortages caused by Ukraine war
Six million households could face blackouts this winter because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, ministers have been warned, as they look to bolster electricity supplies by prolonging the life of coal and nuclear power stations
The Times has been told that the government’s “reasonable” worst-case scenario, which has been drawn up by officials from across Whitehall, says that there could be widespread gas shortages if Russia goes further in cutting off supplies to the EU
A minister said the briefing suggested that electricity could have to be rationed for up to 6m homes at the start of next year, mostly at peaks in the morning and evening.
The curbs could last more than a month, causing energy prices to rise again
Kwasi Kwarteng, the business secretary, has written to the owners of Britain’s three remaining coal-fired power stations to ask them to stay open for longer than planned.
They were due to close in September under plans to phase them out entirely by 2024 to reduce emissions
The worst-case scenario is understood to raise concerns that Norwegian imports of gas, on which Britain is reliant, could more than halve because of increased EU demand.
Imports of liquefied natural gas could also halve because of greater competition
The modelling is understood to assume that Britain will receive no imports of gas from “interconnectors” in the Netherlands and Belgium as both countries face their own emergencies
The closure of the plants would lead to a shortage of electricity, forcing the govt, in effect, to ration.
It would be turned off on weekdays at peak times in the morning, between 7am and 10am, and in the evenings, between 4pm and 9pm.
Gas supply to homes would be unaffected
Officials are also said to have drawn up an even bleaker strategy in the event of Russia cutting off gas entirely to the EU.
It suggests that energy blackouts could start in December and last for three months, with blackouts both on weekdays and weekends
The govt is in talks with Centrica about reopening a natural gas storage facility off the east coast of England, with more than £1bn of subsidies.
There are concerns in govt that gas prices could remain high next year as the war between Russia and Ukraine becomes more entrenched