Spain moves toward a gas link with Italy if France blocks MidCat
The energy debate continues to drive politics in Spain and across Europe as the government weighs different paths to secure gas supplies. In a recent update, the administration signaled readiness to press ahead with a gas interconnection to Italy if France remains reluctant to approve the MidCat project. During a Latin American tour that included stops in Colombia, Ecuador, and Honduras, the prime minister outlined the plan and warned that delays may necessitate pursuing alternate routes. If the preferred option stalls, a submarine connection with Italy emerges as the practical fallback. The leadership stressed Spain’s resolve to keep Europe supplied and suggested that a backup route could be found should obstacles arise in the initially proposed arrangement.
The central question remains how to connect Spain with broader European gas networks in a way that can be operational in the near term. The leadership emphasized a strong commitment to interconnection, noting that progress in Brussels and with partners is essential to ensuring energy security. The message from Madrid is clear: the country is prepared to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and to support Europe through a reliable gas supply, even as negotiations continue with Paris. The willingness to pivot demonstrates Spain’s practical approach to regional energy needs during a moment of political sensitivity in Brussels and beyond, with implications for how supply resilience is managed across the continent. Analysts point to the possibility of leveraging LNG and other gas sources as part of a diversified strategy to meet demand while technical and regulatory hurdles are addressed. The objective remains to find a solution that ensures continuity of gas flow for the coming months and into the winter season, reducing exposure to supply disruptions and price spikes. (Reuters)
Midcat, the simplest
The idea of a submarine gas link catching the attention of policymakers hinges on a long-standing vision: a direct underwater pipeline linking Barcelona to Livorno. This envisioned corridor would culminate in a major regasification and storage hub in Barcelona, with LNG carriers delivering natural gas that could then be routed through a sea-based pipeline to a European hub in Italy. From there, gas could be distributed to other European markets, strengthening the continent’s energy security. Support for such a route has grown in Brussels as a credible option worth serious consideration. Proponents describe it as a pragmatic way to move gas into Europe, with the possibility of blending natural gas with biogas and even green hydrogen as the energy mix evolves. (Reuters)
Ribera has also acknowledged a more straightforward alternative that might be faster to implement: an interconnection with France through the Pyrenees. In a union that often emphasizes unity, the vice president stressed that choosing the easiest operational path should be prioritized for the fall and winter period of 2023-2024. The stance underscores a practical approach to Europe’s energy crisis, where speed can be as critical as long-term strategy. Yet the dialogue is not framed as a bilateral quarrel with France. Spain’s leadership underscored a willingness to assist Europe without being tethered to any single solution. The country’s energy policy remains anchored in a broader commitment to European solidarity and stable energy supply for all member states. (Reuters)