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At a time when a number of factors, including droughts, extreme heat waves, pandemics and war, are creating a global energy crisis, Germany has announced measures to reduce its energy consumption.
But the rising cost of fuel is a problem that the whole world is currently facing and Germany is not the only country that is looking for ways to deal with these conditions.
Governments around the world are trying to deal with this crisis through seven methods.
Since Russia cut natural gas supplies, Europe's crude oil prices have become the highest in the world. Therefore, preventing waste of energy is a top priority of the governments of European countries.
Limiting air Conditioners and Heating
The European Union has recently announced a plan to cut gas consumption by 15 percent before winter. Under the same plan, it will also be ensured that natural gas reserves are filled up to 80% before November 1.
Germany, France and Spain have introduced laws that would limit heating or heat-generating systems in public spaces to 19 degrees Celsius. France and Spain have also set a limit of 26 to 27 degrees Celsius for buildings cooled by air conditioners.
In France, shops with air conditioners must keep their doors closed or face a fine of 750 euros.
According to the International Energy Agency, such measures, such as keeping the heating a few degrees lower, could save as much gas in Europe as it used to get from Russia in winter.
Turn off the Lights
Germany has said public buildings and monuments no longer need to be lit at night, while shops in Spain will have to turn off lights at 10pm.
France believes that these measures will reduce energy consumption by 10%. It should be noted that France is less dependent on Russian gas than Germany, as 42% of its electricity is generated by nuclear power.
But several nuclear plants have been affected by severe heat waves and droughts, which have reduced production.
The Rain
China is facing an entirely different kind of energy crisis. Oil and gas supplies from Russia have not been affected, but China is also experiencing problems due to extreme heat and drought. Rivers are drying up and hydropower generation capacity has declined.
In Sichuan province, which generates 80 percent of its electricity from hydroelectric dams, factories had to close for six days and offices, shops were ordered to turn off lights and air conditioners to reduce power consumption. Some similar measures had to be taken in the neighboring province as well.
China's agriculture minister recently announced an artificial rain project that would attempt to produce rain by releasing chemicals into the clouds. Not many details were provided on how and where this would take place.
Less Work
Pakistan has also come up with unique ways to deal with the energy crisis.
In June, the government reversed an earlier announcement and re-adopted a policy of only five days of work in government offices instead of six.
A few weeks later, heatwaves intensified, putting pressure on the national grid system. On the other hand, rising prices have also complicated the situation and now plans are being made for government employees to work from home on Fridays.
School Holiday
Something similar is happening in Bangladesh, where schools will be closed two days a week and office hours for civil servants have been reduced by one hour.
It should be noted that Bangladesh relies on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) which is currently the most expensive type of fuel. It also has to compete for its supply with European countries that have much more resources than its own.
Nuclear Solution
In some places, the crisis in energy prices has opened the way for a return to fossil fuels such as coal. India's coal imports hit a peak in June even though the government had previously planned to cut coal imports.
Other possible solutions are also being considered. Eleven years after the Fukushima disaster, Japan is considering whether to invest in new nuclear plants and rehabilitate old ones.
The Sun
This crisis is also an opportunity.
An increase in wind energy projects is being considered in France.
Governments in South Africa and China are advising common people to install solar systems through which a common person can sell electricity to the government.
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