Update
France is open
Scholz wants to connect Spain to Europe’s gas network
8/30/2022, 5:01 PM
Germany seeks alternative to Russian gas Chancellor Scholes sees Spain as a potential supplier and wants it to be connected to Europe’s gas network. A pipeline to France is possible – but there will be an alternative.
President Olaf Scholz and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez are pushing to connect the Iberian Peninsula to the European electricity and gas grid. “We can cover 30 percent of the EU’s liquefied gas needs” if the line is in place, Sanchez said on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting in Meseberg, which he attended.
If this is not possible through France, the pipeline through Italy should be chosen. Spain is ready for unity, but you have this obstacle. Chancellor Scholes also supported the pipeline. This is also important for the purpose of long-term supply of green hydrogen. As sun-drenched countries, Spain and Portugal produce surpluses that they can export.
The main task is to create a European network for all energy sources. More networking creates more sustainable communities, Scholes said. “We’re all helping each other when we’re doing this.” The chancellor also reiterated that Germany is well-positioned to get through the winter due to the filling levels in Germany’s gas storage facilities.
Sánchez explained that electricity and gas connections from Spain and Portugal to the rest of Europe need to be improved, and to counter the Russian threat to gas supplies. But this is also very important in view of the importance of green hydrogen. Spain could cover 30 percent of Europe’s current 3 percent retrofit, but this is currently not possible due to a lack of pipelines.
The pipeline can operate on time
Spain has the most liquefied natural gas terminals in Europe and a pipeline from producing country Algeria. However, there is no major connection with France, a project was canceled several years ago due to inefficiency. It can be restored with the help of the European Union. After the Russian attack on Ukraine, the EU is looking for alternatives to Russian gas supplies, which are currently severely restricted.
Spanish Energy Minister Teresa Ribera said the planned gas pipeline between Spain and France would be operational within a year. A precondition is that France and the EU agree on the plan, he said.
Meanwhile, France’s economy minister, Bruno Le Maire, announced that France wanted to examine the construction of the pipeline requested by Spain and Germany. “Spain and Germany are two of France’s closest partners and if they propose we will study it,” Le Maire said in Paris. So far, France, which relies heavily on nuclear power, has been wary of reviving the Midgate natural gas pipeline, which was shut down in 2017 due to unprofitability.
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