The Danish Energy Agency has tightened its gas emergency measures on Monday evening, and this is a sign that it may not be long before the gas supply to certain Danish companies is completely or partially shut off. This is according to Brian Vad Mathiesen, professor of energy planning at Aalborg University. The background to the gas warning is that Russia has reduced deliveries to Germany via Nord Stream 1 by 60 percent.
- In Denmark, the gas storage facilities are being filled to the level agreed in the EU. But several countries are not at the same level, and Denmark is a very small player, he says.
- Therefore, it is crucial that we look at the security of supply of all of Europe. And the security of supply of all of Europe is at risk.
The Danish Energy Agency has declared a so-called "early warning", which acts as a signal to the players in the gas market to prepare. This is the lowest of three preparedness levels.
Higher crisis levels may come into play
But according to the professor, it may well happen that the higher crisis levels may have to come into play. If it becomes serious enough, action may be taken against selected Danish companies.
- The fact that Denmark is issuing an early warning now is something that must be taken very seriously. It is a sign that we are close to the situation that the Russian gas could be shut off, in a way that Danish companies also have to close. Even though we might currently be able to supply them with gas, says Brian Vad Mathiesen. He continues:
- But this would be done with the aim of filling up the European storages with gas, so that we can cope with the winter that will undoubtedly come.
The gas storages in Denmark are currently 75 percent full. They should ideally be 80 percent. filled from November, if they are to meet the common EU target. The possible shutdown of gas for companies is part of the Danish Energy Agency's emergency plan. It is to ensure that consumers can heat their homes for the winter - supply crisis or not.
Brian Vad Mathiesen explains that natural gas accounts for a relatively small share of Denmark's energy consumption, and thus we are in a fairly good position compared to other European countries.
- This puts us in a much better position than Germany and Italy. It just doesn't mean that it can't have some consequences for companies that use natural gas and for homes that are heated with natural gas, he says.
Ritzau
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