The Belgian-German Energy Summit, where Belgium and Germany collaborated to increase their energy independence, was held in Zeebrugge on Valentine’s Day.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Prime Minister Alexander De Croo have decided to increase their collaboration. The Port of Antwerp-Bruges declares that it “sees a crucial role for itself” as a global port.
Belgium and Germany seek to collaborate more closely to develop an energy supply that is climate neutral. Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) inked a contract at Zeebrugge requiring Belgium to expand its pipeline capacity to Germany.
In order to contribute as soon as possible to expand Germany’s gas supply, work on this will start this year. A significant portion of Germany’s gas requirements is met by Zeebrugge in northern Belgium. When it gets there, the liquefied petroleum gas is regasified and put into the natural gas grid. Since the start of the war in Ukraine, the lines have frequently been backed up.
The liquefied natural gas terminals are being expanded in a significant way, according to Scholz. But we also need to make sure that our nations are connected. He had pledged that he would do his part to expand the German lines as well. Belgians can now sell gas to customers in Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and other nations in Eastern Europe in addition to Germans. Beyond our two nations, “we have a shared responsibility,” added Scholz.
Germany will be dependent on fast filling its storage facilities in the present and future years. Russian gas continued to flow into German storage facilities in substantial amounts during the first half of 2022. Small amounts still arrive via third countries, but the direct connection Nord Stream has been dismantled.
