Germany has taken a major step to reduce its dependence on natural gas purchases from Russia. He managed to secure supplies from all major natural gas importers to Germany. It responded to Moscow’s threats that gas prices would rise sharply again.
Operation of two floating terminals
Federal Minister of Economy Robert Habeck announced that a memorandum of understanding between the companies Uniper, RWE and EnBW had been agreed to ensure the operation of two floating terminals for receiving liquefied natural gas from overseas. However, their operation will not begin until March 2024.
Temporary solution
According to Habeck, this should be a temporary solution until two more LNG terminals located on land can be put into permanent operation. “It is part of our contribution to becoming independent from Russian gas and more resistant to blackmail by Russian President Putin. In addition, Germany will gain a more robust and resilient energy infrastructure,” Habeck said, according to Reuters.
Germany will cover about 13 percent of its annual gas consumption with two floating terminals. Until now, the Federal Republic has taken about 55 percent of its total natural gas consumption from Russia.