France ready to face winter thanks to solid gas infrastructures

France assures it has the necessary infrastructures to meet its gas needs this winter while supporting its European neighbors, despite potential drops in temperatures.

Share:

Gain full professional access to energynews.pro from 4.90$/month.
Designed for decision-makers, with no long-term commitment.

Over 30,000 articles published since 2021.
150 new market analyses every week to decode global energy trends.

Monthly Digital PRO PASS

Immediate Access
4.90$/month*

No commitment – cancel anytime, activation in 2 minutes.

*Special launch offer: 1st month at the indicated price, then 14.90 $/month, no long-term commitment.

Annual Digital PRO Pass

Full Annual Access
99$/year*

To access all of energynews.pro without any limits

*Introductory annual price for year one, automatically renewed at 149.00 $/year from the second year.

France is preparing to face the winter with confidence, thanks to the strength of its gas infrastructures. According to gas transport network managers GRTgaz and Teréga, the current capacity will allow France to meet national demand and support other European countries, even in the case of very low temperatures. This conclusion is detailed in their report “Gas Outlook” for 2024-2025, which highlights optimistic forecasts regarding supply and stock management.

Supply and stock management

The current level of gas stocks in France is one of the key elements ensuring energy security this winter. As of October 23, 2024, gas reserves were filled to 95%, a level similar to that of previous winters, allowing the country to face a cold and prolonged winter. France also benefits from sustained import flows, mainly from Norway, the Netherlands, and Spain, as well as liquefied natural gas (LNG) delivered to methane terminals.

Adaptation to reduced Russian imports

Since the winter of 2021-2022, despite a 70% reduction in Russian gas imports, the European gas system has adapted to maintain their energy security. Twelve new entry points for gas imports have been created in Europe since 2022, with four expected to be operational by the end of 2024. These new points help diversify supply sources, notably with LNG imports from the United States.

European solidarity and energy sobriety

During the winter of 2023-2024, France strengthened its energy solidarity with its European neighbors by ensuring a significant gas transit to Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. In total, 83 TWh of gas were sent to these countries through the French network. However, GRTgaz and Teréga warn that periods of intense and late cold could put pressure on stocks, especially if they are overused at the beginning of winter.

Call for sobriety and stock preservation

Network managers are calling for continued energy sobriety efforts, as seen in previous winters, to preserve stocks for the entire season. A prudent management of reserves at the beginning of winter is considered crucial to avoid any risk of shortages during a late cold wave.

Despite the challenges posed by geopolitics and climatic conditions, France and Europe are now better equipped to guarantee their energy security, relying on rigorous supply management and cooperation between countries.

GTT has been selected by Samsung Heavy Industries to design cryogenic tanks for a floating natural gas liquefaction unit, scheduled for deployment at an offshore site in Africa.
A consortium led by BlackRock is in talks to raise up to $10.3 billion to finance a gas infrastructure deal with Aramco, including a dual-tranche loan structure and potential sukuk issuance.
TotalEnergies commits to Train 4 of the Rio Grande LNG project in Texas, consolidating its position in liquefied natural gas with a 10% direct stake and a 1.5 Mtpa offtake agreement.
US producer EQT has secured a twenty-year liquefied natural gas supply contract with Commonwealth LNG, tied to a Gulf Coast terminal under development.
The Chief Executive Officer of TotalEnergies said that NextDecade would formalise on Tuesday a final investment decision for a new liquefaction unit under the Rio Grande LNG project in the United States.
Monkey Island LNG has awarded McDermott the design of a gas terminal with a potential capacity of 26 MTPA, using a modular format to increase on-site output density and reduce execution risks.
The Voskhod and Zarya vessels, targeted by Western sanctions, departed China’s Beihai terminal after potentially offloading liquefied natural gas from the Arctic LNG 2 project.
ADNOC Gas will join the FTSE Emerging Index on September 22, potentially unlocking up to $250mn in liquidity, according to market projections.
Norwegian company BlueNord has revised downward its production forecasts for the Tyra gas field for the third quarter, following unplanned outages and more impactful maintenance than anticipated.
Monkey Island LNG adopts ConocoPhillips' Optimized Cascade® process for its 26 MTPA terminal in Louisiana, establishing a technology partnership focused on operational efficiency and competitive gas export pricing.
Sawgrass LNG & Power has renewed its liquefied natural gas supply agreement with state-owned BNECL, consolidating a commercial cooperation that began in 2016.
Gazprom and China National Petroleum Corporation have signed a binding memorandum to build the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline, set to deliver 50 bcm of Russian gas per year to China via Mongolia.
Permex Petroleum signed a $3 million purchase option on oil and gas assets in Texas to support a strategy combining energy production and Bitcoin mining.
Enbridge announces the implementation of two major natural gas transmission projects aimed at strengthening regional supply and supporting the LNG market.
Commonwealth LNG’s Louisiana liquefied natural gas project clears a decisive regulatory step with final approval from the U.S. Department of Energy for exports to non-free trade agreement countries.
The Indonesian government confirmed the delivery of nine to ten liquefied natural gas cargoes for domestic demand in September, without affecting long-term export commitments.
The Egyptian government signs four exploration agreements for ten gas wells, allocating $343mn to limit the impact of the rapid decline in national production.
Hungary has imported over 5 billion cubic metres of Russian natural gas since January via TurkStream, under its long-term agreements with Gazprom, thereby supporting its national energy infrastructure.
U.S. regulators have approved two major milestones for Rio Grande LNG and Commonwealth LNG, clarifying their investment decision timelines and reinforcing the country’s role in expanding global liquefaction capacity.
Hokkaido Gas is adjusting its liquefied natural gas procurement strategy with a multi-year tender and a long-term agreement, leveraging Ishikari’s capacity and price references used in the Asian market. —

Log in to read this article

You'll also have access to a selection of our best content.