EU approves new gas storage law amid concern over further cut-offs by Russia

Amid threat of furr gas cut-offs by Russia, European Union (EU) energy ministers approved a new law to ensure that Europe's gas stor is at least 80% full by vember this year. According to reports, decision was taken at ministerial meeting in Luxembourg on Monday, June 27. According to European Commission, Russian gas deliveries have been interrupted in as many as 12 EU nations so far, and supply levels are w half in comparison to previous year.

EU is w apprehensive of cut-offs that may continue potentially to point where bloc loses its entire supply of Russian gas by year's end. “Since beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, we have kwn that a very serious disruption is possible and w it seems likely,” energy commissioner Kadri Simson told reporters in Luxembourg, Euractiv reported. According to Simson, Russia is seeking to exploit availability of gas to create doubt, erode supply security, destabilise EU market, prevent appropriate gas stor for upcoming winter, and raise energy costs. 

EU vows to occupy 85% of its available subterranean gas stor

According to new regulation, underground gas stor on EU states' territories must be filled to at least 80% of capacity before winter of this year and to 90% before winter of 2021. Overall, EU has decided to make an effort to occupy 85% of its available subterranean gas stor by end of this year. “ situation is deteriorating. While gas supply for member states is currently guaranteed, security supply risks are greater than ever,” Simson warned. She furr stated that EU has already made significant improvements to energy security and w it's high time to step up. 

law calls for certification of all underground gas stor site operators

Additionally, law calls for mandatory certification of all underground gas stor site operators by relevant member state ncies. In order to protect security of EU's energy supply and or crucial security interests, this certification aims to reduce risks of foreign impact on important stor systems. Earlier in March, European Commission had presented proposal for regulation. proposal also revised two existing rules regarding safety of gas supply and access to natural gas transmission networks. 

Im: AP