On Friday 28 October, the European Commission published stricter exemption conditions for running German gas pipeline OPAL, connected with the Russo-German gas pipeline under the Baltic, Nord Stream, which runs along Germany’s eastern border to the Czech Republic.
Since its launch in 2011, OPAL has been subject to a 100% exemption from EU internal energy market rules on third party access and tariff regulation.
Now, under the revised decision, the use of only 50% of OPAL's capacity will be exempt from third party access rules and the operation of the other 50% of the pipeline capacity will be covered by stringent EU market rules, which ensure transparent and non-discriminatory access for all gas companies, the Commission explains.
Moreover, additional conditions are now in place in order to create better trading possibilities for all market participants, the Commission adds.
The exemption framework will, as was the case under the earlier decision, be applicable until 2033. Following this date, standard regulatory provisions will fully apply to the OPAL pipeline.
The European Commission points out that the decision is binding on the German energy regulatory authority with immediate effect.
"The Commission wants to ensure properly functioning liquid and competitive gas markets in Europe, and today's decision follows these guidelines. A competitive EU gas market, where energy companies can trade freely and have easy access to pipelines, is essential for ensuring secure and affordable supplies to all EU citizens and is a priority under the Energy Union strategy", the Commission commented. (Original version in French by Emmanuel Hagry)