France has opened up its supply of natural gas to Germany for the first time to help them meet their energy needs.
Key Details
- France has begun exporting natural gas to Germany to help meet nearly 2% of the country’s consumption in an effort to replace Russia’s supply cuts.
- “The move comes as Germany and other European countries seek to diversify gas imports after Russia choked off the supplies of cheap natural gas that the continent depended on for years to run factories, generate electricity, and heat homes,” says AP.
- “[French gas network operator] GRTgaz said the gas pipeline connecting both countries at the French border village of Obergailbach has begun delivering an initial daily capacity of 31 gigawatt-hours.”
- Gas began to flow on Thursday and will hit a daily maximum of 100 gigawatt-hours per day.
Why it’s important
Both France and Germany are facing the reality of energy and power shortages in the winter months. The deal will help both countries face shortfalls into their energy supplies in the coming months.
France imports 100% of its natural gas but only generates 7% of its energy with it—relying on nuclear for 67%. The country’s energy commission says its reserves are at 100%.
“French President Emmanuel Macron announced last month that France and Germany agreed to an energy solidarity deal. France would help Germany with gas supply, while Germany would generate more electricity to supply France during times of peak consumption,” says AP.
Backing up a bit
As we previously reported, Germany is expecting severe economic stress and restrictions as the winter approaches. Manufacturing has shrunk by 2.9% just as nearly 16,000 stores are facing closures due to diminishing profits. Environmental groups are even calling for Christmas lights to be turned off this year to help meet the IEA’s demand for a reduction of energy consumption by 13% to reduce stress on supplies.
“Although Germany’s gas storage facilities are now nearly 95% full, officials say citizens will still need to save gas this winter,” says AP.
It also remains unclear when or whether Nord Stream will reopen and allow Germany to replenish its supply in the near future.