France has started sending natural gas to Germany as part of its pledge to ensure EU energy solidarity as Russia reduces exports after its invasion of Ukraine. Initial volumes of gas equivalent to around 31 GWh/day (1.2 bcm/year) began flowing, but could rise to as much as 100 GWh/day (3.7 bcm/year) at a later date, once all logistical constraints are lifted. In exchange for the gas, which could be used in German gas-fired power plants, Germany is expected to send back some of the electricity it will generate to France during demand peaks.
GRTgaz began modifying and making technical adjustments to its pipeline network several months ago to be able to send gas from France to Germany, as the only existing interconnection point between France and Germany in Obergailbach (Moselle) was originally designed to send gas from Germany to France. The adapted pipeline capacity remains reversible in the Germany to France direction.
France imported 46 bcm of gas in 2021, including 60% of piped gas and 40% of LNG. In 2020, its main suppliers were Norway (34%), Russia (27%) and the Netherlands (11%). Gas is introduced on the French territory through seven entrance points, including five gas pipelines interconnected with the Belgian (Taisnières), Spanish (Larrau, Biriatou), German (Obergailbach), and Norwegian (Dunkerque) networks and four LNG terminals (which together have a capacity of 34 bcm/year). Germany imported 156 bcm of natural gas in 2021. In 2020, the country was mainly supplied in gas by Russia (43%), Norway (29%), and the Netherlands (18%).