According to Reuters, major energy-intensive sectors in France are looking to adapt gas boilers to operate on oil as they get ready for further fall or cessation of Russian gas exports to Europe.

Numerous energy-intensive industries in Europe, especially those in its three largest economies—Germany, France, and Italy—would suffer if there were no Russian gas supplies. Russia has just begun the routine repair of the pipeline that supplies gas to Germany after already reducing gas delivery via Nord Stream by 60% over the previous month.

On July 22, the two-week maintenance period will come to an end, but the EU member states are worried that Russia would not resume supply through the pipeline. In response to these worries, businesses in France and throughout Europe are moving more quickly to switch from gas to oil and even coal to prevent further expensive shutdowns.

Bruno Le Maire, France’s Finance Minister, said the industry needs to prepare for gas and power shortages.  “Let’s prepare for a cut-off of Russian gas,” Le Maire was quoted as saying at a conference.

In addition to potential gas shortages, France has experienced nuclear power production problems this year, which have decreased the amount of electricity available in France and Europe and driven up French power costs for the next year. Around 70% of France’s electricity comes from nuclear power, and when its reactors are running at full capacity, it is a net exporter of electricity to other European nations. However, this year’s extensive maintenance at numerous nuclear reactors has resulted in a reduction in the amount of nuclear energy available to France and the rest of Europe.