France for the first time launched direct gas supplies to Germany

France has started to directly supply natural gas to Germany for the first time, as Berlin intends to diversify its energy reserves after the cessation of supplies from Russia. This is reported Associated Press with reference to the French gas operator GRTgaz.

GRTgaz reported that a gas pipeline linking the two countries in the French border village of Obergheilbach has begun delivering an initial daily capacity of 31 GWh. Supplies are expected to increase to 100 GWh per day, which is less than 2% of Germany’s total gas consumption.

The head of the Federal Network Agency of Germany, Klaus Müller, thanked GRTGaz on Twitter and noted that French gas supplies through the federal state of Saar ensure the security of supplies to Germany.

Although Germany’s gas storage facilities are now nearly 95% full, officials say citizens will still have to conserve gas this winter. Associated Press.

France’s actions are related to the fact that Germany and other European countries are seeking to diversify gas imports after limiting the supply of cheap natural gas from Russia.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced last month that France and Germany had agreed on energy solidarity. Paris will help Berlin with gas supplies, and Germany will produce more electricity to supply France during periods of peak consumption.

Formerly Reuters reportedthat against the backdrop of a shortage of electricity, France may turn off its supply to some residents of the country. Gas storage facilities in France are filled by more than 90%, gas storage facilities in Germany – almost 95%. Gazprom appreciated reduction of deliveries to the EU countries by 48% since the beginning of the year. By data Media, there will be enough gas in EU storage until February 2023.

Read about the shortage of fuel in Europe in the material “Kommersant FM” “Europe lacks gas”.

Daria Erozbek