Because of the heat wave, Europe is likely to face an energy «storm» sooner than expected, with the region not being sufficiently prepared for the chaos it will bring, Rystad Energy analysts say.
According to Bloomberg, Maxar experts believe temperatures in parts of Britain and France could rise to record highs early this week. Despite increased solar energy production, this increases demand for cooling and leads to higher global prices for liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Rystad Energy analysts believe rising temperatures will prevent countries in Europe from rebuilding their natural gas reserves before winter. Storage levels remain below normal for the summer.
"Our updated scenarios show that Europe is likely to face the storm much earlier than previously thought and that the region will be underprepared for the chaos it will bring," the experts stress.
The next heat wave will be the second in July in Western Europe. Scientists attribute it to global warming and the greenhouse effect, and warn of a possible expansion of forest fires. Fires have already been observed in France, Portugal, Greece and Spain, destroying thousands of hectares of forests.