Germany has begun filling the huge Rehden gas storage facility, abandoned by Russian energy giant Gazprom, in a bid to shield itself from the threat of a gas cut-off from Moscow as part of an escalating anti-Russian conflict in the West. Ukraine.
This was stated on Thursday by the head of the installation appointed by the German state, as broadcast by Reuters.
Russian gas is vital for Europe and in particular the bloc’s largest economy, Germany. However, Russia’s uninterrupted supply of gas is now being challenged in the context of Western sanctions against Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine and the Kremlin’s deadline for buyers to pay for gas in rubles, a demand that most countries have rejected.
Last month, Gazprom left Germany and the management of its subsidiary there, which also owned the largest gas storage facility in Western Europe, in Rehden, as a result of the diplomatic “war” between Moscow and Brussels.
“As of today, small volumes are being stored,” said Egbert Laege, the interim manager of the company appointed by the German energy regulator, in his first interview with Reuters.
“We are working hard to find solutions and ensure that much more gas can soon flow into the storage facility,” he added.
Rehden has a capacity of about 4 billion cubic meters of gas, but was supplied in small quantities last winter. Laege stressed that it is clear that the facility should be filled in view of next winter.
At present, the fullness of the storage space is only 0.6%, which is dramatically lower than the average of 36% applicable to gas storage facilities in Germany.
Meanwhile, the German energy regulator has announced that it will have Gazprom Germania under its control until September 30, noting that it also has the right to remove executives, hire new staff and tell management how to move. However, the authorities have not revealed what will happen after the expiration of the above date.
“We have made significant progress in stabilizing the Gazprom Germania Group’s operations in uncertain times,” Laege said, adding that he was in regular contact with the German Economy Ministry, the country’s network regulator and the group’s business partners.
“Everyone recognizes the immense importance of the Gazprom Germania Group in securing gas supplies. The trust of our business partners is perhaps our most important asset. I will do everything I can to maintain and strengthen this trust,” he added. company manager.
Source: Capital
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