Germany limits access to Nord Stream

OPAL pipeline operator is barred from holding any new auctions on transit capacities after a recent EU court decision, the German Federal Network Agency announced, as reported by Sputnik.

The limitation came into effect on September 14, at 6 am. The German Federal Network Agency takes the view that, as of the court judgment, OPAL Gastransport is not permitted to conduct further auctions of the affected interconnection capacity on the OPAL. Moreover, it is prohibited to undertake transports on the basis of the affected interconnection capacity. The relevant partially regulated, decoupled interconnection capacity has a volume of 15.86 million kWh/h, the agency announced.

It adds that it considers that Gazprom may make use of alternative transport routes and points of supply to continue to meet its supply obligations in the European Union.

On September 9, having considered Poland's contesting the arrangement, the EU court overruled the European Commission's decision of 2016 that expanded Gazprom’s access to OPAL’s facilities as violating the energy solidarity principle.

The overruled decision had allowed Gazprom to additionally transport up to 10.2 billion cubic meters of gas a year by taking part in the relevant auctions. According to the current EU standards, Gazprom can count on only 50% of the transit capacity of this pipeline, that is, only 12.8 billion cubic meters.

Gazprom and the Russian government are preparing an official response to the court's decision. Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak pointed out that this would have an impact on the negotiations about gas with Ukraine and the European Commission, as well as on the energy supply affairs in European countries. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak doesn't rule out the possibility of Russia's filing a complaint.

OPAL pipeline connects the Nord Stream to the existing pipeline grid in Middle and Western Europe. The gas enters Germany up to the Czech border.

Gazprom Moscow

The Russian Federation Ministry of Industry and Energy Moscow

EUROPEAN COMMISSION Bruxelles

Opal Gastransport

Alexander Novak

Dmitry Kozak

Nord Stream

Opal pipeline

EU court

Russian gas