Spain is looking ahead with three practical horizons to bring in gas while limiting reliance on Russia, a stance articulated at Olav School’s urging to promote energy diversification. The Minister of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge stressed to TVE that European energy policy still has a long way to go and needs stronger interconnections between infrastructures. This long-term view emphasizes building a more resilient energy system that can adapt to evolving supply routes and technologies. (Source: Ministerio de Transición Ecológica)
One horizon involves upgrading compression capacity to raise gas imports by about 30 percent. A second pathway focuses on maximizing the use of existing port infrastructure and vessel capacity. A third option points to the natural gas pipeline through southern France, which could be operational within eight to nine months, underscoring the importance of coordinating with France. Teresa Ribera highlighted that these infrastructures should serve this century and the next, potentially extending over 30, 40, or 50 years and capable of carrying hydrogen when needed. (Source: Ministerio de Transición Ecológica)
Germany advocates the establishment of Central Europe’s gas link with Portugal and Spain
Spain holds a significant share of the European Union’s liquefied gas conversion capacity and maintains a gas pipeline connection to Algeria, its main supplier. The MidCat project, envisioned to connect Central Europe through Spain and the southern coast of France, faced delays and high costs when gas from Russia was deemed reliable and inexpensive, according to Andreu Jerez. The plan aimed to create a cross-border gas corridor that could later accommodate hydrogen, reflecting broader ambitions for regional energy integration. (Source: Ministerio de Transición Ecológica)
“all the effort”
Kings Maroto, Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism, underscored that the government will spare no effort to boost regasification capacity. He noted that Europe’s most exposed partners should strengthen their solidarity in the event of a Russian gas interruption, with Spain and Portugal positioned as practical collaborators. In a broadcast interview, Maroto reiterated that the administration has long aimed to align European energy policies and push for reform at the system level, while insisting that effective solutions must come from within the Union through cohesive integration strategies. He referenced Portugal’s stance, echoed by Prime Minister António Costa on social channels, and suggested that Germany could trust Spain to implement gas infrastructure today, with an eye toward future hydrogen. (Source: Ministerio de Transición Ecológica)
Maroto further stated that every effort would go toward improving regasification and ensuring that countries most vulnerable to a potential Russian gas cut receive solidarity from those better prepared, including Spain and Portugal. The message emphasizes a shared responsibility across European partners and the strategic role of coordinated, forward-looking infrastructure in maintaining energy security. (Source: Ministerio de Transición Ecológica)