Germany and Denmark sign 1st ever agreement on solidarity gas deliveries in Europe

Berlin, December 16 - Neftegaz.RU. Germany and Denmark have signed a deal to ensure gas supply between the two countries in case of unexpected shortages, the German economy and energy ministry BMWI announced.

This type of solidarity deal was the first of its kind, the ministry said. “We have defined how Denmark and Germany can help each other out quickly in the unlikely event of an extreme shortage of gas. This sends an important signal, not least during this pandemic, because solidarity is what defines us in the EU and what makes us strong” Peter Altmaier, German economy minister, said.

Denmark’s Minister for Climate and Energy Dan Jorgensen said: “Denmark is very happy to close this deal with Germany on gas distribution and supply. We are the first two European countries to settle this kind of agreement for the benefit of our citizens and hopefully this can inspire other Member States to do the same.”

In adopting the agreement, Germany and Denmark have also implemented the revised European Regulation concerning measures to safeguard the security of gas supply. This Regulation seeks to reduce individual Member States’ dependence on non-European gas suppliers, and to make them more resilient against shortages.

In the event of an extreme gas shortage, solidarity deliveries are to be made as a measure of last resort to ensure that households, district heating systems, and essential social service institutions in the Member State affected are supplied with gas.

Under the Regulation, all Member States whose gas networks are directly connected or connected via a third country are required to sign bilateral solidarity agreements with one another.

Russian gas accounted for over half of the Germany’s total gas imports in 2018, while Denmark’s main import source was Norway, Eurostat data showed.