Naftogaz of Ukraine is negotiating gas storage deals with Germany’s RWE, Norway’s Equinor, France’s TotalEnergies and Engie, the group’s CEO Oleksiy Chernyshov told Bloomberg.
According to him, there is still time to conclude agreements, as the largest volumes of gas injection usually occur in August and September.
Chernyshov also clarified that so far no foreign company that already stores gas in Ukraine has abandoned its decisions, despite the recent Russian attacks on gas infrastructure.
The company continues to serve customers and repair equipment damaged by recent rocket attacks.
The Head of the NJSC reminded that the state energy regulator has recently improved the conditions for gas storage from June 1, 2024. The new rules include shorter booking intervals for capacity – for months rather than for a whole year, which improves the attractiveness of Ukrainian storage facilities for foreign traders.
As reported, in 2023, the volume of gas from foreign traders and energy companies pumped into Ukrainian UGS facilities for storage reached 2.5 bcm. This year, Naftogaz expects to increase this figure to 4 bcm.
Naftogaz of Ukraine CEO Alexei Chernyshev and Norwegian Equinor CEO Anders Opedal met Friday to discuss gas purchases and potential development of Ukrainian production, the NJSC press service said.
“We have the first agreements with Equinor on the purchase of additional gas volume to pass the most difficult heating season in our history. We hope for special terms of purchase and further reservation of the volume we need,” Chernyshev said in a statement.
In addition, the head of Naftogaz on December 1 discussed with Norwegian Ambassador Erik Svedal the involvement of technology Norwegian oil and gas business and financing the purchase of additional volume of gas needed for Ukraine to pass the winter, given the constant Russian rocket terror.
“At a time when Russia is using the destruction of energy infrastructure as a weapon, support for Ukraine’s energy sector is as important as military support. We look forward to Norway’s continued assistance in this context,” Chernyshev said.
According to the press service, the ambassador said that he expects to increase the announced amount of aid to his state, and future funding will also be allocated to ensure energy security of Ukraine.
As reported, Norway will provide Ukraine with funding of NOK 2 billion (about $195 million) for the purchase of natural gas in winter 2022. Norway plans to use the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) as a channel to support gas purchases in Ukraine, while Naftogaz will be a formal recipient of the fuel.
Previously, the Norwegian prime minister said that the kingdom would provide Ukraine with an aid package worth 1bn euros.
