Klaus Muller, the president of the Federal Network Agency fears that Russia will cut off gas supplies to Germany. He appealed to the people of Germany to conserve energy. The future of Nord Stream 1’s regular review will determine if it “turns into a longer-term review for politically motivated reasons.” Muller declared this Saturday in Funke group dailies. The gas pipeline links Russia and Germany via the Baltic. It provides most of the country’s gas needs. Its maintenance review is scheduled to take place on July 11. Germany suspended the inauguration of Nord Stream 2’s twin as part of sanctions against the Kremlin over the invasion of Ukraine. The Federal Network Agency’s head warns that if the flow of Russian gaz is “intentionally permanently reduced”, we will need to discuss saving measures. He stresses that there are twelve weeks left before heaters in this country can be turned off.
Muller urges homeowners to inspect their gas boilers and radiators immediately so they can work at maximum efficiency. According to the senior official, maintenance can help reduce gas consumption by between 10% and 15%. He insists that homeowners perform these checks now and not wait until fall. He asks that specialized operators not be overwhelmed by the demand for heating and hot water systems in order to prevent them from becoming overwhelmed. He asks families to think about whether winter will see all rooms being heated to the same temperature as usual or whether it is possible to tolerate lower temperatures in some rooms. Muller states that in the event Russia cuts off gas supplies to Germany completely, private homes, hospitals, and homes for the elderly or chronically ill will be the first to receive the supply.
Muller says that he can “assure you that we will make every effort to ensure that private households don’t run out of gasoline.” He also said that the Federal Networks Agency does not envisage any scenario in which Germany runs completely out of gas. However, he stressed that the agency will “orient itself for business damage, the economic consequences, and the technical requirements of the gas supply system.” Robert Habeck (Federal Minister of Economy, Federal Deputy Chancellor) expressed his concern that Russia would completely disrupt the supply of gas to the country last Thursday. As of the date of its regular inspection, there is the threat of “a complete blockade of Nord Stream 1”, Habeck stated then. He warned that this could cause serious problems during winter.
The Norwegian government commented that it might increase its gas supply to Germany in the near future, but this won’t happen before 2023 and 2024. Terje Aasland (Norwegian Minister for Oil and Energy), stated that companies are currently reviewing projects to increase their gas supply by then. The long-term consequences of the crisis in energy will be severe. We need to invest in new gas production capacity,” says Aasland. He adds that his country has never exported as much gas as it does now and promises that “we support European friends in becoming independently from oil Russians and gas soon.”
The German federal government advises companies to buy emergency generators in case of worsening gas shortages. A response by the Berlin executive to a question from the Bild tabloid on Saturday, the generators could face cuts in electricity supply. The official note advises that all those responsible for critical infrastructures should be equipped with emergency generators, as there won’t be any interruptions of service in an emergency. The Federal Network Agency is responsible for directing distribution at federal level in the event of an emergency. It works closely with network companies to decide the distribution of electricity or gas. This letter highlights that it is recommended that emergency generators operate for a minimum of 72 hours.
