Europe’s thirst for electricity spurs Nordic grid blockade

Plummeting temperatures and soaring oil and gas prices create a scramble for energy across the continent

A transmission pylon holds power from an electrical substation in Danderyd, Sweden. The Scandinavian country is answering a call for help from Poland to meet its energy demands.

Sweden started an oil-fired reserve power plant after Poland said it needed help from its neighbours to meet soaring electricity demand as freezing weather has spread across Europe.

It's the latest chapter in the scramble by European countries to secure adequate supplies in the midst of plummeting temperatures and soaring oil and gas prices.