An abundance of gas ports. The emergency diversification of gas supplies in Germany
An abundance of gas ports. The emergency diversification of gas supplies in Germany

Author(s): Michał Kędzierski
Subject(s): Energy and Environmental Studies, Environmental and Energy policy, International relations/trade, Political behavior, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment, Financial Markets, Peace and Conflict Studies
Published by: OSW Ośrodek Studiów Wschodnich im. Marka Karpia
Keywords: gas supplies; Germany; The Russian attack on Ukraine; FSRU; Gas ports;
Summary/Abstract: The LNG terminal projects planned so far in Germany could not be implemented due to unfavourable regulatory and market conditions. The ability to opt for cheaper Russian gas, imported via pipelines, was one of the main obstacles since the German government saw no need to invest in securing supplies, mistakenly believing that it shared common interests with Russia as part of the two countries’ energy alliance. The aggression against Ukraine has revealed these beliefs to be myths and has become a catalyst for a profound revision of the approach to cooperation with Russia. Aware of the risk of cutting off gas supplies and the ensuing serious economic consequences, Germany has intensified its efforts and is taking emergency measures to develop LNG import infrastructure. In the short term, Germany will have four floating storage and regasification units (FSRU) which, combined with other measures to diversify supplies, will enable Germany to become independent of gas imports from Russia in 2024. This, however, does not automatically mean that Germany will decide to totally and permanently discontinue the imports of Russian gas.

• Details
• Contents