2 November 2009
German regulation threatens vital gas-infrastructure development
Bottlenecks in Germany's pipeline system threaten gas supply security in Europe, even if Nord Stream and other big import projects go ahead, writes NJ Watson
IN ITS QUEST for energy security, the EU's attention has focused on building large, trans-national natural gas pipelines, such as Russia's Nord Stream and Nabucco. However, inadequate regulation in Germany may stifle the investment in local network infrastructure that is needed to enable the onward transmission of the gas to its various target markets. European gas suppliers, importers and infrastructure companies all expressed concern at October's World Gas Conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina, that recent changes to Germany's regulation of its gas-transport system will make an already difficult situation worse. In September, Germany's network regulator, Bundesnetzagentur, said gas grids
Also in this section
2 April 2026
Alongside a rapid continued build-out of renewables, China’s latest five-year plan stresses the value of domestic hydrocarbon production for energy security and calls for increased Russian gas imports
2 April 2026
The government is taking important steps to revive domestic production, lift investment and benefit from the geopolitical crisis even if more needs to be done in the longer term
1 April 2026
Golden Pass’s startup offers QatarEnergy a timely boost but may also force a difficult choice between honouring disrupted contracts and capitalising on soaring spot LNG prices
1 April 2026
It is not a case of if or when, but the length and magnitude of economic damage from elevated oil prices
