Energy. A “mutual assistance” agreement between France and Germany regarding their supply

The heads of government of France and Germany signed an agreement in Berlin on Fridaymutual supportbetween the two countries in order toguarantees their energy supply“At a time when prices are increasing.

that “specific measuresFrance is expected to specifically help Germany reduce its dependence on Russian gas through gas supplies, while Germany will support France;secure your electricity supply in winterAccording to a joint statement signed by Elisabeth Born and Olaf Scholz. France is a net importer of electricity for the first time in 42 years due to the lowest level of nuclear power generation.

Plants to be preserved

Since 1981, France has always been a net exporter of electricity to its neighbors, thanks in particular to its nuclear power plants, which cover more than 60% of French electricity production. But since January, France has imported more electricity than it has exported, with almost half of its nuclear fleet unavailable due to scheduled but sometimes prolonged maintenance or corrosion problems.

Supply levels should allow France to get through December without any problems, but there is a risk of cuts in the event of extreme cold for January if consumption does not decrease. The agreement signed with Berlin thus formalizes efforts already implemented by Germany since mid-November, consisting of “maximize the interconnection capacity available to the market“According to the text of the agreement.

Also, Germanyundertakes to delay the phase-out of the remaining nuclear power plants until mid-April 2023 in order to provide France with additional electricity exchange volumes.“, and to “mobilize all market and reserve generation capacity (…) to maximize electricity flows to France“. The turnaround is also historic for Germany, which has been heavily dependent on gas from Russia and needs to diversify its supplies by turning to the West.

France launches new export capacity to Germany from mid-October.”up to 100 GWh/day“, according to the agreement. The gas that it will import from France will mainly be imported to France itself, particularly by sea. France has four fixed liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminals, while Germany has none, and it plans to have an additional floating LNG terminal in Le Havre.in winter 2023/24“reminds the agreement.

Germany is also installing floating LNG terminals, two this winter in Wilhelmshaven and Brunsbüttel, and three other terminals.until the end of 2023“.