On Thursday 15 February, the European Commission launched the first mid-term call for tenders for joint gas procurement via its AggregateEU platform. This process will allow buyers to submit their gas applications for six-month periods from April 2024 to October 2029.
This initiative comes in the wake of recent energy issues, linked in particular to the invasion of Ukraine. Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for the Green Deal, emphasised that this call for tenders aimed to offer long-term stability, which goes beyond the current uncertainties of the market.
AggregateEU, launched in April 2023, has already achieved notable success with its short-term tenders, securing more than 42 billion cubic metres of gas.
AggregateEU‘s mid-term call for tenders represents a major development, enabling more strategic planning over a period of up to 5 years. It is part of the EU’s wider efforts to diversify and secure its energy supply, particularly through hydrogen and decarbonised gases.
To participate, buyers and sellers must register on the platform. The first phase of applications closes on 21 February, followed by a competitive tender on 26 and 27 February. (NP)