EU Member States Prepare for Possible Disruption of Russian Gas Supply

EU countries are accelerating preparations for a possible complete disruption of Russian gas supply, and the European Commission is expected to present its crisis plan on Wednesday, reported ENR (European Newsroom), a project of 16 European news agencies, including Croatia’s Hina. 

According to the EC plan, approximately 11 billion cubic meters of gas would be saved by limiting heating and cooling in buildings, between four and 40 billion cubic meters would be saved by reducing gas consumption for electricity generation, and around 10 billion would be saved by reducing industrial demand. The Commission’s proposal will serve as a basis for discussion at an extraordinary meeting of energy ministers scheduled for July 26.  

The text discusses ways to save and the status of gas storage levels in Germany, France, Romania, Croatia, Slovenia, Spain, and Italy, as reported by agencies dpa, AFP, Agerpress, Hina, STA, EFE, and ANSA.

Claudia Kemfert, an energy expert at the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW), stated that the government would be able to avoid shortages if it started relationships with other gas suppliers besides Russia, continuously filled storage facilities, and encouraged the public to save gas. 

– If three conditions are met, I do not see that we will actually have to face a gas shortage – said Kemfert.

Germany’s alternative sources for conventional natural gas have so far mainly been the Netherlands and Norway.

Regarding liquefied natural gas (LNG), Economy Minister Robert Habeck attempted to establish new supply relationships during a spring visit to Qatar. Whether, when, and how much more gas will actually come from the emirate remains to be seen. 

The level of filling of German gas storage facilities is slowly but steadily increasing. It is currently at about 65 percent. The German government has repeatedly called on consumers and industry to save energy.

Meanwhile, the French government is preparing for the possibility of a complete disruption of Russian gas supply, said Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire on July 10. To avoid shortages, the government has requested that national gas storage be filled to “almost 100 percent” by the beginning of autumn.

In the event of an electricity shortage, the French government is preparing a series of measures for winter to prioritize private households and certain industries. "It is clear that we are protecting private households and (…) not closing factories or suspending public transport," said Borne.

According to EU regulations, gas storage must be at least 80 percent full by November 1, 2022. 

Romanian Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca stated that his country would be able to meet this target ahead of schedule.

Croatia has announced that it will double the capacity of LNG on the island of Krk from 2.9 billion to 6.1 billion cubic meters. 

The government aims to position Croatia as a regional energy hub in Central Europe to cover the energy needs of its neighbors – Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Hungary. 

Croatia also plans to double the capacity of the Adriatic Oil Pipeline (JANAF), which can already meet all of Hungary’s needs with existing capacities.

The state underground natural gas storage facility Okoli is 38 percent full, and it is expected to be 90 percent full by October 1.

The Slovenian Energy Agency has launched the first phase of the gas supply crisis plan. The agency is monitoring gas supply along routes that affect supply in Slovenia, including the Nord Stream 1 pipeline. 

It has called on its consumers to use natural gas cautiously. The agency reported that gas supply to consumers in Slovenia is currently uninterrupted, but warns of potential disruptions in the future if the flow of Russian gas decreases.

Although Spain is not among the countries most dependent on Russian energy, the government has announced that it will promote remote work, encourage public transport, and limit thermostats. 

Spanish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Ecological Transition Teresa Ribera called for "prudent energy use" during the current heatwave. With storage filled to 72 percent, Ribera stated that Spain is "very well positioned" regarding natural gas. 

The Italian government is preparing a large educational campaign on gas and water savings, but the situation is not currently alarming regarding gas.

Winter supplies, according to official data, have already reached 64 percent of the total capacity of 6.1 billion cubic meters. The targeted level of 90 percent by the end of the year is within reach.